Scottish Water is urging people across Scotland to take extra care around reservoirs, lochs and rivers as colder weather increases the risk of ice forming on open water.
The publicly owned water company is reminding people to stay vigilant and avoid taking risks near freezing water, particularly where surfaces may appear solid but are unsafe.
While winter walks and runs around Scotland’s reservoirs and waterways can be enjoyed safely, Scottish Water says it is vital that people act responsibly at all times when close to open water.
Key safety advice includes not getting too close to the edge of reservoirs or watercourses due to the risk of slipping, ensuring children are supervised at all times, avoiding walking on ice-covered water, and keeping dogs on a lead near reservoirs, lochs and rivers.
Scottish Water is also highlighting the hidden dangers that exist at reservoirs, which are man-made structures with unique risks including dams, spillways, underwater intake pipes and steep or unstable banks.
These hazards sit alongside natural dangers such as strong currents, deep cold water, mud and vegetation that can trap people beneath the surface.
Because many reservoirs are located in remote areas, immediate assistance is often unavailable, meaning emergency services may take longer to reach anyone in difficulty.
For these reasons, Scottish Water does not encourage swimming or diving in reservoirs under any circumstances.
Peter Farrer said:
“It is possible that reservoirs and other bodies of water may freeze over and if you walk out onto ice-covered water there is no way of knowing whether the ice will hold your weight.
“If you are out walking, please take care around the edges of reservoirs and other water bodies and do not attempt to follow pets if they run out onto frozen water.
“One of the biggest concerns with dog owners is when their pet experiences difficulties after going into water, chasing a ball or stick.
“The pet might survive such incidents, but the owners, who have attempted to save them, may not.
“Natural hazards can lurk beneath the surface, where people can get entangled in vegetation or stuck in mud.
“As the majority of reservoirs are remote, there is a lack of immediate assistance because the emergency services often can’t get to the area quickly.”
Scottish Water’s Reservoir Safety film is available to watch online and highlights the importance of staying safe near reservoirs during winter conditions.
