OFFICIALS at the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority are pleading with people planning to enjoy the area this weekend to take care near the water.

With the warm weather set to continue over Saturday and Sunday, the National Park is within easy reach of more than 50 per cent of Scotland’s population and in good weather, its lochs and rivers are a popular destination for visitors.

Following a series of tragic incidents in the National Park’s lochs in July, the Park Authority and its partners are working closely to support people to enjoy the water safely and encourage everyone to make sure they know the potential risks. 

Sixteen-year-old Connor Markward lost his life in the loch near Balloch Park on Friday, July 23.

The following day, Muhammed Asim Riaz, 41, his 29-year-old friend Edina Olahova, and her son Rana Haris Ali, nine, died after getting into difficulty near Pulpit Rock, Ardlui.

Aman Sharma, 34, died in hospital two days after being rescued from Loch Lubnaig in Perthshire, also part of the National Park.

Leigh Hamilton, the park authority's ranger service manager, said: “Being close to or going into the water is very appealing when the weather is warm and it can be great fun, whether that’s just a dip to cool down or enjoying activities like swimming, paddle boarding or kayaking.

“It is important, though, to understand the risks and to know how to enjoy the water safely.

“Even when it’s hot, the water in lochs is very cold, and can cause cold water shock, even in experienced swimmers.

"Going into a loch is very different to going into the sea, where the water gradually gets deeper. Lochs often get deep very quickly with sudden, steep drops close to the shore. 

“Take some time to read the water safety advice on our website and share this information with family and friends.” 

National Park rangers carry out daily patrols both on the ground and on Loch Lomond, speaking to visitors to provide advice and encourage responsible behaviour, and can enforce byelaws on Loch Lomond in partnership with Police Scotland.

During a particularly busy summer for visitor numbers, there have been more than double the number of byelaw contraventions by powered water craft users, compared with last year.

Ms Hamilton added: “Everyone who enjoys the loch – whether paddling, swimming, sailing or on a jet ski – should have safety in the forefront of their mind and show respect for others in or on the water.

“Sadly we have seen issues with irresponsible behaviour by some people recently in some of our busiest areas, such as Luss and Balloch. 

"We, along with our partners in the police and local authorities are paying particularly close attention to these hotspot areas to both encourage appropriate use of the loch and take enforcement action when needed.

“Byelaws on Loch Lomond set out slower speed zones in certain areas for all vessels which must be observed to keep everyone safe.

"The byelaws also cover vessels such as paddleboards and kayaks and state that buoyancy aids must be on board.

"We strongly advise that everyone wears these whatever your age or ability.”

A programme of enhanced water safety measures has been rolled out by the park authority over the past year, including the installation of new water safety signage and public rescue equipment. 

The authority says further signage has been installed this week at a number of visitor sites, and that discussions between park officials and key water safety partners to consider existing measures and any further actions that can be taken are ongoing.

For advice on staying safe in the water this weekend, see the water safety pages on the National Park Authority’s website.