Pupils learn life-saving skills during open water safety drive at Loch Lomond

School children have been learning life-saving skills during swimming safety lessons at Loch Lomond.

As temperatures begin to rise in the weeks and months ahead, open water swimming becomes increasingly popular – but the dangers involved are often overlooked.

Pupils from West Dunbartonshire recently took part in an event designed to equip them with survival skills should they get into difficulty in the water.

The event was organised by West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust (WDLT) in partnership with Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

The hands-on learning session highlighted key water safety principles including raising awareness of hidden currents, cold-water shock, deep water, the importance of swimming with a buddy, wearing bright swim caps for visibility and using appropriate equipment such as wetsuits.

Pupils in the water at Loch Lomond STV News

As part of the experience, children entered the loch with experienced instructors and safety professionals.

Swimming officer Lorna Smith said: “A lot of the kids within this area are fairly close to the loch, it’s really important they learn that message of water safety.

“Given the number of incidents this year alone with the water, it’s that understanding you don’t know what you’re going into, how cold the water is, the drop in the water, how out of your depth you can get. There can be currents underneath the water, stones they might step on that can cause injury.

“This partnership is a real opportunity to support that water safety message.”

Andy Biddulph, who volunteers for the Loch Lomond Rescue Boat, highlighted how busy the waters can get.

A swimming event was organised by West Dunbartonshire Council West Dunbartonshrie Council

The organisation can handle between seven and eight call-outs a day on the loch, operating day and night in all weather conditions.

“The most common mistake in terms of open water swimming is not preparing, not knowing what you’re going into.

“People should ensure they’re wearing the correct equipment and clothing and tell someone what their plans are, saying ‘I’ll be back at X time, if I’m not, phone and get help.’

“It’s important everyone understands the danger of the water, including cold water shock and rapid changes in depth. The water going to be colder the deeper you get. The weather can change quicker than you realise.

“Knowing where you are is also a massive help for rescue teams. Saying ‘I can see a tree’ isn’t much use when there are trees everywhere. Google Maps is really useful for us.”

Pupils said they loved learning new skills and playing with their classmates.

“We did different things underwater and got to go on each other’s shoulders,” one boy told STV News.

Pupils said they enjoyed learning new skills and playing water games STV News

Another added: “We learned about the flags and signs, floating on our backs and shouting for help.”

“I know how to swim now,” one girl said. “We got to play games too, it was really fun.”

Ian Reed from Scottish Swimming says the events offer children from a variety of backgrounds the opportunity to enjoy open water safely.

“Every kid becomes safe. It’s really important for them to be able to risk assess the situation, know the water safety code so that all kids can enjoy water.”

Councillor David McBride, depute council leader and WDLT Board Member, said: “The event offers valuable experiential learning that cannot be replicated in a pool setting. By experiencing real open water conditions safely, pupils will gain a greater awareness of the risks associated with natural environments and how to respond appropriately.

“We are privileged to have a stunning natural asset on our doorstep but we have seen the tragic and devastating consequences when people don’t realise the dangers of entering the loch and other open water. This initiative reinforces the shared commitment of local agencies to improving water safety awareness and helping young people stay safe around open water.”