A DEFIBRILLATOR and other life saving measures are now in place at Loch Doon, helping to keep residents safe when enjoying the water at one of East Ayrshire’s best-loved beauty spots.
So far, safety signage and flotation devices have been installed at strategic points around the loch and most recently, work has been completed on an emergency boat launch for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. This will ensure that the rescue craft can launch on to the loch as quickly as possible when needed.
The safety improvement works also include the installation of a ‘Portsafe’ public access water rescue system, believed to be the first of its kind in Scotland, which is an extendable pole that can be used from the shore to reach and retrieve anyone getting into difficulty on the loch.
Since the emergency services need to be contacted for the code to access the equipment, they are also then immediately alerted to the incident.
A community access defibrillator has been installed, too, at the Roundhouse Café which has been funded through generous donations from the local community and the Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).
Councillor Drew Filson said: “All of these important measures will contribute to ensuring that anyone coming along to enjoy what is a true jewel in the crown of East Ayrshire in terms of its natural beauty, can do so as safely as possible.
“However, as tragedies on the loch and on water bodies elsewhere recently have shown, everyone needs to treat the water with respect as the loch is deep, very cold at all times of the year and has strong currents which can result in someone quickly getting into difficulty.
“I would like to thank all those who have been involved in making Loch Doon a safer place for everyone to enjoy.”
Ian McMeekin, SFRS local senior officer for Ayrshire, added: “Recently, we have seen several incidents across Scotland that have sadly shown how important it is to stay safe in and around our lochs, reservoirs and rivers.
“We have locally trained crews and can call upon specialist resources including rescue boats to respond to emergencies but knowing what to do in the event of an emergency, and having lifesaving equipment to hand, can make a big difference.”
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