A reminder to stay safe while enjoying Orkney’s coastlines, beaches and lochs

It’s Drowning Prevention Week (DPW) from 15-22 June and with the summer holidays nearly upon us, it’s timely for us to remind folk of some of the key messaging around water safety. 

With the ‘slightly’ better weather and more folk out and about on our coastlines, beaches, piers and lochs enjoying water-based activities and general sight-seeing, we want to make sure everyone remains as prepared and safe as possible. 

The Council’s Head of Marine Services, Transportation and Harbour Master, Jim Buck, said slippery conditions and tripping hazards can put pier users at risk of falling into the water. 

“Living within island communities should mean that from an early age we are instilling water safety within our children and young people - good habits that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. 

“It’s important for anyone heading out and about, particularly when that involves activities on and in the water, to make themselves aware of any potential dangers whilst equipping themselves with some basic but important measures to keep themselves safe.” 

The Council is planning to introduce a Water Safety Policy and will be seeking feedback from the public around favoured areas for water activities, coastal walking and how water safety may be improved. 

If diving, always dive with a buddy and to your personal limits of training, experience and fitness. Check your equipment before and after every dive and avoid alcohol/drugs. 

Similarly, if canoeing or kayaking, check the weather forecast, plan your trip, make sure you have the right kit and equipment before setting out. Try not to paddle alone and avoid alcohol/drugs. 

Always tell someone on land where you’re going and when you’ll be back. Always carry a means of calling for help and keep it in a waterproof pouch on your person. Call 999 or 112. If you get into difficulty, stay with your canoe/kayak. If you fall into the water and lose your kayak/canoe – stay calm, float on your back and call for help. 

A swim or a dip in the open sea, a loch or even a quarry may seem like a great idea, particularly on a very warm day, but it could all end in tragedy. Don’t take the risk.  

Drowning is among the leading causes of accidental death in the UK, and while water may look calm on the surface, there can be strong undercurrents that could pull even a confident swimmer under. 

Cold water shock can incapacitate quickly. Your ability to ‘swim like a fish’ will have no impact on your body’s involuntary response to this and Orkney waters are cold all-year round. 

Alcohol and swimming do not mix, so stay out of the water if you have been drinking, and never let older children swim in unsupervised areas like quarries, canals or ponds. 

It’s important to stay hydrated and use sunscreen. We're not used to hot weather in Orkney and it’s easy for folk to be caught out, especially at the beach. 

Never interfere with life-saving equipment, as you might need it yourself.  

Swimming anywhere other than at purpose built and supervised swimming pools is highly dangerous, and it is not recommended unless as part of an organised club. 

If you spot someone in trouble in the water, call 999 – attempting to go in the water yourself can add to the problem. If there are aids nearby, throw them to the person in distress. 

It’s always safer to go fishing in a group, wear appropriate clothing and footwear, including a lifejacket, and let people know where you are heading and when you plan to return. Have a fully charged mobile phone and ideally carry a first aid kit. 

When enjoying Orkney’s coastlines, stay away from the edge at the top and the base at the bottom (rock falls). Pay heed to warning signs and the weather forecast. 

In case of a coastal water emergency, dial 999 and request the Coastguard. They will promptly deploy water rescue resources, including the HMCG rescue helicopter. For inland water emergencies, ask for the Fire & Rescue Service, ensuring a swift response with the necessary water rescue resources. 

When faced with an emergency, whether on the coast or inland waters, it’s essential to prioritise safety. Remain on land and avoid entering the water yourself. If you encounter someone in distress, follow the three-step rescue guide: Call, Tell and Throw. 

Water Safety Scotland is good source of information and have posters that can be downloaded and printed off - https://www.watersafetyscotland.org.uk/ 

The Royal Life Saving Society UK has resources on how to stay safe and what to do in the case of an emergency. Learn more here https://bit.ly/4aZ5brG