Scottish Water is reminding people in Lanarkshire to stay safe, behave responsibly and not take risks around watercourses such as reservoirs, rivers, lochs and coastal waters amid the recent warm, dry weather.
Earlier this summer, the latest figures from the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) showed that, in 2025, there were a total of 39 accidental drownings in Scotland and 202 across the UK - with most occurring at inland locations such as rivers, reservoirs and lochs or lakes.
Hidden Dangers at Reservoirs
Peter Farrer, Scottish Water’s chief operating officer, said: “While people should enjoy any good weather we have this summer and take pleasure around beautiful lochs, reservoirs, rivers and beaches, it’s absolutely vital they stay safe at all times and behave responsibly.”
“As the number of tragic water-related deaths this year have shown, safety is a serious issue in all bodies of water. At reservoirs, while the water may look harmless, there are many hidden dangers. We need to ensure everyone is aware of these hazards. We are reminding parents to keep their children safe and asking everyone to act responsibly around reservoirs and other watercourses.”
Deep, cold water is a particular danger at reservoirs, which are working parts of Scottish Water’s infrastructure. Dams, steep banks, spillways (overflows) and underwater pipework can also present real and often hidden hazards. Even in warm summer weather, inland waters such as reservoirs remain dangerously cold and are hazardous for cold water shock, an involuntary physiological response when the body is suddenly immersed in cold water.
Remote Locations and Cold Water Shock
Many of the utility’s reservoirs are situated in remote locations, meaning there is a lack of immediate assistance and mobile phone reception can be poor. In the interests of public safety, Scottish Water does not encourage swimming in its reservoirs.
The company’s reservoir safety advice is also targeted at pet owners. One of the biggest concerns with dog owners is when their dog gets in trouble in water and the owner dives in to help. Sometimes the dog survives but the owner doesn’t. You won’t find lifesaving equipment at reservoirs, so relying on someone else to save you could put their life in danger too. If you do get into trouble, mobile reception is patchy to often non-existent at many remote reservoir locations, so calling for help isn’t quick or easy.
Some reservoirs have air curtains - millions of bubbles aerating the water to disperse potential impurities like algae. But these bubbles create negative buoyancy, so if you swam into this area, you would struggle to stay afloat. That goes for boats too.
Safety Resources
A water safety video can be viewed at https://youtu.be/AA6P3EuR1w8, while Scottish Water’s Lanarkshire customers can get more safety information via https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/watersafety or they can contact the customer helpline on 0800 0778 778.
More details on Water Safety Scotland and free educational resources available for children of all ages, for use in the classroom as well as at youth groups, is available from https://watersafetyscotland.org.uk/practitioners-hub/education/
