Water Safety Plea

In light of recent tragedies elsewhere in Scotland, Tayside Police is appealing to people to put safety above all else when on, in, or near to any open water.

A number of similar incidents to those witnessed in Glasgow and Stirlingshire, have occurred in Tayside in recent years. The area's force would urge children and adults alike to take the utmost care whether at river, loch or sea.

Open water is a magnet on warm summer's days, but no one should be fooled by the attraction of hot weather and an apparently calm surfaces. Never underestimate the natural forces of any open water - including their varying currents, temperatures and depths.

Just as important - no one should ever overestimate their own swimming ability.

People should only swim in designated areas and children should never swim unsupervised.

We would advise that no one, irrespective of age heads to the water on alone and no one should ever go swimming if they have been drinking alcohol.

Tayside Police would also discourage people from the dangerous act of ‘‘tombstoning'' whether from cliffs or harbour walls.

Jumping or diving into water from a height is inherently dangerous given uncertainty over the water's depth and the force at which the person can enter the water.

Playing in and around a busy harbour is also very clearly unsafe and there have been near misses in recent years between fishing boats and youngsters jumping into and swimming in harbour areas.

Tayside Police officers will take appropriate action where they find irresponsible behaviour of this kind. Furthermore, the force appeals to anyone who witnesses the potentially life-changing or life-threatening practice of tombstoning to report is to the police.

Water sports thrive during the summer months in Tayside, with areas such as

the River Tay at Broughty Ferry providing an established and popular venue for water sport enthusiasts of all ages.

Police officers want to ensure that beach, shorefront and harbour areas are safe environments for everyone - locals and visitors alike.

Many people take their boats and other crafts to the fore shore after months of inactivity and it is vital that they check to ensure they are seaworthy.

With many of the crafts and vessels being high-powered, owners must take time to familiarise themselves with their speed boats or personal watercraft - more commonly known as jet bikes - as many are capable of speeds in excess of 40 mph.

The majority of people who use high-powered crafts are responsible, sensible and comply with local rules and bylaws. Many of them undertake formal training, or seek advice from recognised nautical organisations or local clubs.

However, a minority pay no heed to rules or advice. Irresponsible and reckless use of such watercraft presents a danger to the people using them and to every other person in or by the water.

Such behaviour has resulted in serious injury or death in other parts of the UK and it is vital that people recognise the necessity for sensible and appropriate use of high speed craft.

In the Tay Estuary, there are specific areas where high speed craft may be used and there are laid down speed limits out with those areas. The use of such craft and their speeds is governed by the Dundee Port Authority Bylaws and there are signs located at launching areas around Broughty Ferry providing this information.

Tayside Police has the power to enforce the Port Authority Bylaws and will do so. Furthermore, where any conduct is considered to be reckless or dangerous, appropriate action will be taken under Criminal Law.

Advice regarding the use of high speed water craft and the responsibilities of those in charge of them can be obtained from such organisations as HM Coastguard, Royal Yachting Association, Royal National Lifeboat Institution and many of the local boating clubs.

The River Tay at Broughty Ferry is visited each summer by dolphins and Tayside Police would request that people using the water give them every consideration.

The appearance and movements of the dolphins are closely monitored by other agencies who will notify Tayside Police of any incidents where it is felt that people are harassing them.

People out on the water should not get too close to the dolphins, or chase them and should maintain a reasonable speed when near to them.

Furthermore, all water sports enthusiasts and boat or water craft owners are reminded to be security conscious and be aware of the potential for opportunist crime. All appropriate steps should be taken to protect property.

Tayside Police would ask anyone who witnesses inappropriate or reckless behavior on the water to contact them on 0300 111 2222.

www.tayside.police.uk

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