The national voluntary association for water safety urges public caution in and around Scotland’s waterways during the current heatwave, warning that sudden immersion in cold water can lead to Cold Water Shock.

As the Met Office issues amber weather warnings across Glasgow, Edinburgh Dundee, and Aberdeen, Water Safety Scotland (WSS) has called on the public to stay safe and follow the Water Safety Code – designed to help people avoid accidents and reduce drowning fatalities.

Drowning is among the leading causes of accidental death in Scotland and WWS highlighted that while it may be “tempting to enter the water” as temperatures rise, sudden immersion could result in Cold Water Shock (CWS), which affects even the strongest swimmers. It said:

“Although the air temperature is hot, waterways in Scotland are very cold and entering them can lead to Cold Water Shock. Water Safety Scotland’s key message is to follow the Water Safety Code. This code provides lifesaving information, and we urge the public to learn the code and teach their families and friends about it.”

Cold Water Shock can lead to drowning because it overwhelms the body’s ability to breathe and swim, as blood vessels in the skin close causing resistance to blood flow and preventing the heart from pumping blood as easily.

Since 2016, the number of accidental deaths from drowning has increased from 28 to its highest ever level in Scotland – with 58 reported in 2021.

A Scottish government resilience meeting was held this afternoon to prepare for the impacts of extreme heat in Scotland. Keith Brown, lead minister for resilience, said:

“When temperatures increase, it’s important to monitor forecasts and follow public health advice, including staying hydrated and drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding excess alcohol.

“Water safety incidents and drownings increase in hot weather and people should be aware of the dangers and use supervised beaches and pools when possible – follow the Water Safety Code and in an emergency call 999.”

Jackie Baillie, Scottish Labour health spokesperson raised concerns about the heatwave’s potential impact on the NHS which she said is “at breaking point and extreme weather could push it over the edge”.

Ms Baillie called on the Health Secretary to ensure services can cope and keep people safe in the hot weather.

Alongside heat stroke and exhaustion, accidental drowning presents an increasing risk as temperatures rise, and the Met Office warning covers the Borders, Fife, Perth, Dumfries and Galloway, Falkirk, Clackmannanshire, parts of East Ayrshire, Midlothian, Lanarkshire and all of Edinburgh.

Dr Tim Patterson, Director of Public Health at NHS Borders said:

“It’s important to take some time to think about what you can do to protect yourself, your family and friends during the hot weather. For some, including older people, those with underlying health conditions and young children, the summer heat can bring real health risks.”

Mr Patterson also called for people to “look out for vulnerable family, friends, and neighbours,” highlighting older people and those with underlying health conditions who may struggle to keep cool and hydrated.

WSS is a voluntary organisation focused on the risks around water in Scotland and looks to develop a “consistent approach to the prevention of water related fatalities” in response to the disproportionate number of accidental drownings in Scotland.

With an average of 400 people drowning UK-wide every year and Scotland composing around 8% of the UK population, 57 accidental drownings indicate a concerningly disparate level at over 20 more lives lost to drowning than may be expected.

Clare Adamson, Convener of the Cross-Party Group for Accident Death and Prevention and Safety Awareness, wrote in the foreword to Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Strategy draft:

“On average 50 people accidentally drown in Scotland each year – per head of population that is double the rate average of the rest of UK. This tragedy must stop and together we can do something about it.

“Water Safety Scotland’s response to the UK Drowning Prevention Strategy represents a unique opportunity; to take stock, galvanise and further develop our efforts in relation to water safety across all sectors of society.”

WSS aims to half accidental drowning deaths in Scotland by 2026 and reduce risk among the populations and communities currently at highest risk, specifically those living on the coast and men in the 60-69 age group.

The Scottish government are “regularly in discussion” with WSS and provides annual grants to deliver on accidental deaths and water safety programmes.

Mr Brown, the lead minister for resilience, said the government are standing ready to coordinate a response to severe weather when required.

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