MORE than 200 children and young people have taken part in a water safety day at Loch Doon.
The annual event, aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of open water, involved 246 pupils from seven primary schools and Doon Academy in hands-on learning and lifesaving training.
The two-day course was delivered in partnership by East Ayrshire Council’s Health and Safety section, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Police Scotland, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, and landowner Drax.
The programme included practical sessions on CPR, defibrillator use, how to float safely in water, and understanding cold water shock—one of the main causes of drowning in Scotland.
Pupils were also taught how to use life-saving equipment located around the loch.
A Portsafe public access rescue system, funded by Drax and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, has been installed at the site.
The equipment includes a 17-metre extendable pole that can be used from the shore.
The participating schools were Doon Academy, Logan Primary, Catrine Primary, New Cumnock Primary, Bellsbank Primary, Lochnorris Primary, Ochiltree Primary, and Auchinleck Primary School.
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