A new system has been launched which aims to reduce accidental drowning deaths by looking into the circumstances of previous fatalities.
It comes in the wake of increasing scrutiny over the issue of water safety in Stirling in recent weeks ahead of another busy summer tourist season.
The Drowning and Incident Review has been created between the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) alongside Water Safety Scotland.
The plan will aim to reduce the number of accidental deaths in Scotland’s waters by half by 2026 – with an average of 96 people losing their lives across the country due to a water-related fatality every year.
Recent years have seen the waters in Stirling witness a number of problems due to people getting into difficulty, including 14-year-old schoolgirl Nieve McIsaac who died in hospital after getting into difficulty in the River Teith near Bridge of Allan in July last year.
Before that, Loch Lubnaig was also the site of tragic accidents in both 2020 and 2021. A 10-year-old boy died following an incident at the loch in June 2020.
There have also been incidents at Bracklinn Falls near Callander.
The DIR will aim to assess the relevant data and information behind each incident to provide insight into water-based risks at a local level, best ensuring that those in the position to mitigate the risks are kept informed.
James Sullivan, Station Commander at SFRS and chair of Water Safety Scotland, said: “DIR provides a clear and consistent format for partners to review water-related incidents and gain an understanding of contributory factors.
“This enhanced knowledge will enable a focussed approach to be taken on preventative measures both locally and nationally throughout Scotland.”
The increased focus on water safety has also been backed by a local MSP in a recent meeting with representatives from Water Safety Scotland at Holyrood.
Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Alexander Stewart supported WSS’ rollout of its ‘Water Safety Code’ which includes important advice such as being aware of cold water shock, checking for safety signage and making sure you have a way out after entering the water.
Mr Stewart met with Jen Foley and Michael Avril from the organisation and said: “As recent and extremely tragic accidents in and around water have taught us, we absolutely cannot be complacent around our many areas of water, such as the River Teith and Dollar Glen.
“My sincere condolences and thoughts go out to the friends and relatives of all those who have been lost to local waters. These specific, truly awful accidents are precisely why I support all these measures such as the new WSS Water Safety Code.
“Jen, who is Water Safety Projects Officer with RoSPA and supports Water Safety Scotland full-time, and Michael, who is WSS Chair, as well as being RNLI Regional Water Safety Lead for Scotland, highlighted the new WSS Water Safety Code which they have just rolled-out.
“I congratulate them on this superb initiative.”
