New Water Safety Policy for East Lothian covers both coastal and inland water courses
The introduction of a new East Lothian Water Safety Policy received approval at today’s (Tuesday 17 January) Cabinet meeting.
The development of the East Lothian Water Safety Policy followed the formation early in 2021 of the East Lothian Water Safety Group which arose after extensive discussions in 2020 through the council’s multi-agency group for coast and countryside with key partners particularly Police Scotland and Water Safety Scotland.
Cabinet member for Community Wellbeing, Cllr Colin McGinn explained: “During the pandemic many people chose to enjoy a range of water activities for exercise and relaxation. The numbers of people visiting the East Lothian coast for a range of water sport activities rose significantly. It was recognised an approach to utilise and share the expertise of a range of organisations and public agencies to consider appropriate water safety messages would be beneficial.
“The Water Safety Policy for East Lothian covers both coastal and inland water courses and is focussed primarily on improving prevention, enhancing water safety awareness and providing water safety education when and where appropriate with the council participating in and sharing information from initiatives from a range of partners including Police Scotland, Scottish Fire & Rescue, Coast Guard, RNLI, Water Safety Scotland, Scottish Water and ROSPA.
“The Scottish Government through its Ministers has been supporting Water Safety Scotland and encouraging Local Authorities to develop water safety partnerships and policies and the East Lothian Water Safety Policy will also contribute to Scotland’s National Drowning Prevention Strategy”
The East Lothian Water Safety Policy can be downloaded from the council website: Agendas, reports and minutes | East Lothian Council (Item 8)