Scottish Water is urging people to stay safe around reservoirs and other watercourses ahead of some forecast cold weather.
The publicly-owned water and waste water organisation is advising people to be vigilant and not to take risks around freezing cold reservoirs, lochs and rivers and any parts of watercourses that are covered in ice.
While people should enjoy winter walks or runs around the country’s beautiful reservoirs, lochs and rivers – it’s absolutely vital that they stay safe and act responsibly at all times when near open water.
Scottish Water’s key advice is that:
- People should not go too close to the edge because they could slip and fall in
- Adults should keep children safe
- People should not walk on ice-covered water
- And dogs should be kept on a lead if they are being walked near reservoirs and other bodies of open water
Scottish Water is also advising people about the hidden dangers in reservoirs and urging them to be particularly careful if they visit one.
Reservoirs are man-made features which have unique dangers such as dams, spillways (overflows) and hidden water intakes (underwater pipe work that takes water out of the reservoir) and other hazards common to natural bodies of water, such as reeds, strong currents, steep banks and deep cold water.
As the majority of Scottish Water’s reservoirs are situated in remote locations, there is also a lack of immediate assistance. For these reasons, and in the interests of public safety, Scottish Water does not encourage swimming or diving in any of its reservoirs.
