Staying safe around water
Our approach to water safety
Our Water Safety Policy outlines a risk-based approach focused on known hotspots across the region.
This ensures that water safety is managed effectively, efficiently, and sustainably - while encouraging personal responsibility and awareness of water-related risks.
Advice to stay safe
Watch out for:
- cold temperatures
- hidden currents
- steep or slippery banks
- deep water and unclear depth
- submerged hazards (for example, rubbish, broken glass)
- no lifeguards
- possible pollution or health risks
If you see someone in difficulty, call emergency services immediately.
Open water safety tips
To keep you safe in open water:
- pay attention to warning signs and surroundings
- stay clear of unstable bank edges
- walk or run with a friend
- let someone know your plans and carry a mobile phone
- learn swimming and lifesaving skills
- never enter water after consuming alcohol
Go together, stay safe
An adult should always accompany children. Adults can help identify risks and respond in emergencies.
Further information
The Highland Council area is home to over 5,000km of coastline, more than 640 named freshwater lochs, 784 rivers across 59 catchment areas, and the iconic Caledonian Canal - making it the most water-rich region in Scotland.
To help keep our communities safe, we have developed a Water Safety Policy in line with Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Strategy which you can read about on Water Safety Scotland's website, and established a multi-agency Water Safety Group.
For further helpful information about water safety, visit The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.