The public's help is being enlisted in Dumbarton and the Vale to help check on lifesaving equipment alongside waterways.

People out and about along the Forth and Clyde Canal, Loch Lomond and the Clyde are being asked to look out for lifesaving equipment and check its condition.

The call has come from the Royal Life Saving Society which wants build a comprehensive picture of what equipment is available for the public to use, where it can be found and what state it’s in.

Adrian Lole from the RLSS said: “More people die from accidental drowning in the UK than they do from road cycling accidents and house fires.

"Ensuring the public has ready access to functioning lifesaving equipment should be a real priority in the UK, where so much of our great outdoors includes being near bodies of water.

“In the first instance, we want to build a comprehensive picture of what equipment is available for the public to use."

As the overall picture of what is being done well and what could be done better starts to form, RLSS UK aims to engage with local authorities, land owners, construction companies and service providers to recommend and advise on water safety measures.

The society's mascot, Perry Buoy, will be used as an image during the campaign, called ‘Keep 'em peeled for Perry’.

The RLSS is asking people to take a look around and check for public rescue equipment, which could be fencing, life rings, throw lines or signage.

Then, drop them a line with your name, email and ‘phone number, location and photo.

You should also say whether it's public or private land and if you have notified anyone.

Title your email ‘Keep ‘em peeled for Perry’ and then send all the details to report@rlss.org.uk