Falkirk schools to benefit from water safety initiative in bid to reduce deaths

26.04.2022 - 13:25 / dailyrecord.co.uk

School kids across Falkirk are set to benefit from a new water safety initiative in a bid to reduce deaths in the likes of lochs and rivers this summer.

The programme by Water Safety Scotland and Education Scotland is committed to reducing accidental drowning deaths in the country by 50% by 2026.

It'll equip youths with the knowledge and skills required to reduce water-based accidents and urge them to do things like Stop and Think, Spot the Dangers, Stay Together, Stay Close and In an Emergency, Call 999.

Starting from children aged three, the resource set will instruct and inform young people right up to the age of 18.

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Laura Erskine, Water Safety Scotland’s Education Subgroup Chair, said: "We aim to reduce the number of deaths from accidental drowning by 50 per cent by 2026 by driving a generational change in water safety in Scotland.

"We want to encourage safe and responsible access to Scotland’s waterways, which can be a positive and enjoyable experience for young people when coupled with appropriate risk awareness and education."

On average, there are 96 water-related fatalities in Scotland each year .

Gayle Gorman, Chief Executive of Education Scotland said: "Every year we hear of tragic accidents taking place in Scotland’s waters as many young people are not aware of the dangers of swimming in open waters.

"That is why we welcomed the opportunity to work with Water Safety Scotland to develop educational materials that aim to increase awareness of water safety.

"We