Lanarkshire girl asks winter walkers to stay away from frozen lochs

Heather Bryson from Auchinloch is one of the youngest people across the country to achieve a special award from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Author: Callum McQuadePublished 27th Dec 2022

A 10-year-old girl from Lanarkshire is asking people to stay away from frozen lochs and lakes while out walking during the holidays.

Heather Bryson from Auchinloch is one of the youngest people across the whole of the UK to achieve the Platinum Jubilee Medallion from the Royal Life Saving Society.

The award, in memory of the late Queen, required her to complete a theory test as well as demonstrate her practical skills.

She told Clyde 1: "I had to do various lengths up and down the pool, a test and I also had to learn how to use a defibrillator.

"I am really proud of myself and it is a beautiful medal with a crown in the middle.

"I feel really honoured because there are so few of these out there."

The Royal Life Saving Society created the unique award based on a qualification Her Majesty the Queen completed in 1941.

TV presenter Ben Shephard also wrote about Heather in his new book celebrating people around the country doing extraordinary things.

Heather now feels more confident she could assist someone in danger in a loch or river no matter what time of year it is.

She added: "If you go out on the ice then you are putting yourself at risk of death.

"If you see somebody struggling then you should try to help them from the shore by throwing them a rope, a safety ring or extend a big tree branch to them.

"You should just stay away from any icy lochs, lakes or reservoirs because it is extremely dangerous."

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