Often fuelled by alcohol, young people have been seen jumping into the canal at Bowling Basin where the waterway meets the turbulent River Clyde.

Local authorities including the police, fire brigade, Scottish Canals and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park are now calling on young people to have more respect for their safety and others enjoying the popular beauty spot.

The warning comes as police say young people are now climbing the disused bridge directly above Bowling Basin before hurling themselves into the water below.

One boy fell into the canal and bumped his head, whilst there have been reports of other youths jumping into open water and landing on top of each other.

Eric Carberry, who moors his boat at Bowling Basin, warned: “Someone is going to get killed.” Speaking to the Reporter last Wednesday, Mr Carberry said: “They were here all day yesterday (July 14). There were young girls as well jumping in. One jumped from the top of that railway bridge, from the top of the parapet. He just missed the metal spikes beneath the bridge.” There are several dangers to young people entering the water at Bowling Basin, as they cannot see the undercurrent, or hidden objects beneath the surface. The coldness of the water can cause people to go into shock or cramp, preventing them from being able to swim.

Chief Inspector Mark Lundie, area commander for West Dunbartonshire police, said: “Over the years we have seen some horrific tragedies locally where young people have lost their lives in open water and we don’t want to see any more.

“There are plenty of options for people to go for a swim in a supervised and safe environment so don’t put your life at risk by jumping into places like the Bowling Basin.” Andrew Stevenson, head of operational delivery at Scottish Canals, said: “It’s incredibly important that everyone is aware of the dangers canals, like any body of open water, can pose.”