Stay Safe Around Reservoirs and Other Watercourses

“At reservoirs, while the water may look harmless, there are many hidden dangers. We need to ensure everyone is aware of these hazards.”

Peter Farrer
Chief Operating Officer, Scottish Water

Scottish Water is again reminding people to stay safe, behave responsibly and not take risks around watercourses such as reservoirs, rivers, lochs and coastal waters as more warm, dry weather is forecast.

The utility is also calling on anyone interested in water safety to attend a Water Safety Open Day at Loch Lomond, which it is co-hosting in partnership with Water Safety Scotland in support of World Drowning Prevention Day on Saturday 25 July.

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.

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 has 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.

And even in warm summer weather, inland waters such as reservoirs also remain dangerously cold and are hazardous for cold water shock, an involuntary physiological response when the body is suddenly immersed in cold water.

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.

In partnership with Water Safety Scotland, Scottish Water will host a Water Safety Open Day in support of World Drowning Prevention Day at Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch, on July 25 from 11am to 3pm. 

The annual fun-filled, family-friendly event is free and open to all and aims to help equip people with some basic water safety knowledge and skills to help them be safer when they are in, on, or around water, particularly during the summer months. 

There will be 23 stalls at this year’s event, which will feature a number of demonstrations, activities, and challenges.

These will include water rescue demonstrations, throwline and lifejacket challenges, finding out about hidden dangers and reservoir air curtains, and canoeing, swimming, and stand-up paddleboarding taster sessions

Donna Mills, Scottish Water’s Land Strategy Team Manager, said: “We would encourage as many people as possible to attend the Water Safety Open Day, which will have a wide range of activities linked to water safety issues. It will be fun and educational, and ultimately could help save lives.

“Scottish Water will have its Reservoir Rangers on site, engaging with visitors around its key messages: water safety, responsible fires, Leave No Trace, and responsible dog ownership.

We'll have a different activity linked to each of these themes, and visitors will be able to take part in a Scottish Water quiz.

“We will also have our new air curtain demonstration in use for the first time at the Water Safety Open Day. Although they look harmless, air curtains in reservoirs create millions of bubbles that reduce the density of the water. This causes negative buoyancy, making it extremely difficult for a person, paddleboard, or boat to stay afloat.

“We will also have some other new activities, including an ‘I’m a responsible reservoir dog!’ selfie frame for people to get a polaroid photograph of their dog(s) and an activity to help people learn about how to leave no trace other than footprints when they visit a reservoir.”

You can find out more at yourwateryourlife.co.uk/events.

Watch this Water Safety Video for more information.

Scottish Water customers can get more safety information at https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/watersafety, or they can contact Scottish Water’s Customer Helpline on 0800 0778778.

More information 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 here: 

Water Safety Scotland | Education - Resources & Workshops
You can learn life-saving tips through the Water Safety Code here: WSS Water Safety Code & Language translations