Scottish Water is urging people to stay safe and not take risks around rivers, reservoirs and lochs this summer.

Children and parents are reminded to take particular care during the summer holidays and any spells of warm weather we might enjoy.

The latest figures from the National Water Safety Forum show that, in 2016, a total of 300 people lost their lives to unintentional drowning in the UK, 52 of which were in Scotland.

Scottish Water has launched a social media campaign #ReservoirSafety and again has a video available to highlight the importance of reservoir safety, which can be viewed at www.scottishwater.co.uk/reservoirvideo or on YouTube.

Peter Farrer, Scottish Water’s chief operating officer, said: “While everyone should enjoy their school holidays or take pleasure in the country’s beautiful lochs, rivers and reservoirs, it’s absolutely vital that they stay safe at all times.

“Safety is a serious issue as, while the water may look harmless, there are many hidden dangers. We need to ensure children, and parents, are aware of these hazards. We are reminding parents to keep their children safe and asking adults to act responsibly around watercourses.”

Dams, steep banks, spillways (overflows), deep cold water and underwater pipe work can present real hazards. And the majority of Scottish Water's reservoirs are situated in remote locations, meaning there is a lack of immediate assistance and mobile reception can be poor.

Carlene McAvoy, community safety development officer for RoSPA Scotland, said: “The number of deaths show just how important it is to be vigilant around areas of inland water, particularly during the summer when children are on school holidays.

“And that’s not just for those planning on going swimming – a large number of those who drown accidentally never intend to be in the water in the first place.

“The water can be much colder than expected, even on warm days, and could lead to cold water shock, which can mean that even the strongest swimmers get into difficulties.”