The Launch of Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Strategy

Last night saw the formal launch of Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Strategy, at Holyrood.

Key speaker Clare Adamson, MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw and Convener of the Cross Party Group on Accident Prevention and Safety Awareness, was joined by Annabelle Ewing, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife and Minister for Community Safety and Public Affairs, Tom Arthur, MSP for Renfrewshire South and Stuart McMillan, MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde, as well as the Water Safety Scotland team and a wide range of representatives, from allied organisations.

Clare Adamson and Annabelle Ewing, joined WSS Chair, Michael Avril, in an impassioned plea for collaboration and wider partnership working, to save precious lives from drowning, across the whole of Scotland.

But it was Gillian Barclay, who tragically lost her son Cameron and her heartfelt account of her family’s great loss, that really brought the message home.

Attendees then stayed on to discuss their ideas and suggestions for drowning prevention activity they could promote and adopt, further noting their intentions on the pledge cards provided.

WSS Vice-Chair and RLSS UK’s Volunteer and Community Operations Manager, Kenny MacDermid said:

“It was a very special occasion and one that was fabulously well supported. I’d like to put on record, my thanks to all those who took time out of their busy schedules to attend last night’s event. I’m really looking forward to working together, as we aim to halve Scotland‘s drownings by 2026.”