#GetWaterWise: Scottish Fire and Rescue Service advice to keep safe around water this summer
It comes as around 43 people across Scotland die in our waterways each year.
Last updated 16th Jul 2021
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have advice for people on how to stay safe during the hotter months.
It's as more than 40 lives are lost in Scotland each year to accidental drownings, and experts are predicting a spike in incidents due to a rise in staycations this summer.
The emergency crew are telling MFR what people can do if they find themselves in challenging situations in the water.
Roddie Keith, area commander for Glasgow, said: "The hotter weather is lovely but it does attract people to the water and we do unfortunately find that we have more rescues and are called for assistance more frequently.
"The water does look very attractive on a hot day, but it is still Scotland, the water temperature is still very cold.
"If you can throw something towards the casualty, even a football can be of great assistance or a branch or stick if that was long enough to reach the person you can actually help retrieve them, but the last thing we would want anyone to do would be to enter the water and become another casualty.
"The message is to float to survive.
"Floating on your back is the best way to conserve energy and to allow you to control and regulate your breathing.
Know the facts on accidental drowning in Scotland
People of all ages can die in drowning accidents:
On average 43 people across Scotland die in our waterways each year
87% of these involve men
July is the month with the most fatalities
40% of those who die have no intention of entering the water
The Scottish Fire and Rescue service are hosting public engagement sessions in Pollok Park, Glasgow Green and Kelvingrove Park over the summer months where they will be focusing on water safety. Dates will be made available on their website here in the coming weeks.