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Motion · S7M-00619 · 10 Jul 2026

Urging Water Safety and Responsible Behaviour Around Water Courses and Coastal Areas During Hot Weather

Lodged by Amanda Lindsay (Reform UK ) Standard Motion 18 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament echoes the pleas from Scottish Water for residents of West Lothian and all local authorities across Scotland to stay safe and not take risks around watercourses such as reservoirs, rivers, lochs and coastal waters during the summer months; understands that the latest figures issued by the National Water Safety Forum show that there were 39 accidental drownings in Scotland in 2025 and 202 across the UK with most occurring at inland locations such as reservoirs, rivers and lochs or lakes; believes that the call from Scottish Water follows some dangerous and anti-social behaviour by groups of young people at reservoirs across Scotland, including diving from water towers, which are working parts of reservoirs, and a number of accidental drownings in England and Wales during hot weather; considers that deep, cold water is a particular danger at reservoirs and dams, steep banks, spillways, overflow, and that underwater pipework can also present real hazards; believes that inland waters such as reservoirs also remain dangerously cold, even in warm summer weather, and are hazardous for cold water shock, which is an involuntary physiological response when the body is suddenly immersed in cold water and which can lead to rapid gasping, a spike in heart rate, and hyperventilation; notes that this makes it difficult to control breathing or to swim effectively and impacts animals as well as humans; urges parents, guardians and relatives to keep children and pets safe, and asks everyone to act responsibly around reservoirs and other watercourses.

Supporters (18)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.