Plans for a safe swimming area on Loch Lomond shouldn’t be scrapped entirely, claim councillors, despite being rejected due to their £3million price tag.
Officers have been exploring the idea of creating an enclosed space, known as a lido, following calls by Gartocharn councillor Sally Page.
It came after four people lost their lives in the water last year.
Connor Markward, 16, drowned while swimming with friends near Balloch Park on July 23 and, the next day at Pulpit Rock, Edina Olahova, 29, her son Rana Haris Ali, nine and friend Muhammad Asim Raza, 41, lost their lives.
However, officers say research has found the project would be too expensive, with any works expected to cost in excess of £3m.
Councillor Page said that she understood the reasons for the rejection, but hoped that developing the project with a private partner is something that could be looked at.
The Conservative member said: “I am happy with the recommendations.
“The only disappointment in the council’s report was that there was no recommendation to seek partners to develop a supervised swimming area.
“Apparently it would be feasible in Drumkinnon Bay, although I appreciate there are already sporting activities taking place there.”
Praising the proposal, leader of the Labour opposition, Martin Rooney, said: “I do think that this is a good idea.
“Whether West Dunbartonshire Council are who should deliver it is questionable, but it was something that had a lot of interest from the public.
“Having a safe space for families to swim is a really good idea, it’s surprising we’ve not thought about it before. I think there is hope for it.
“I think we should keep it on the cards. Is there a private partner who could take it forward? Is there any funding that could be made available? Could this actually happen? I wouldn’t like this to disappear completely. I’d like to think we could maybe explore it at some point in the future and see what other options are available.
“Councillor Page has really gone out of her way to look at this in depth. She is doing it for the right reasons, water safety, supporting families and supporting visitors to Balloch.”
Whilst the lido proposals were put on hold, councillors did approve plans to deliver a water safety policy, with £30,000 to be spent on a consultancy appointment.
The policy would cover sites owned by the council and would set out how the local authority meets its duties for water safety on the land it manages.
Council leader Jonathan McColl added: “It is unfortunate to see the recommendations that we have, but I do think they are sensible. We are looking at significant costs just to engage with a consultant for the lido.
“It is estimated that the lido would cost at least £3m and upwards which is not affordable at this point.
“Engaging an officer to deliver a water safety policy is vitally important given the tragedies we have had on the whole of the loch. I think it is important we work with partners and neighbouring local authorities to try and deliver something as sensible as possible.”
