East Dunbartonshire Council has become one of the first local authorities to support a water safety campaign founded by the parents of a man who died in a drowning accident.
Council Leader Gordan Low met with Duncan Spiers of the Christopher’s Saving Lives Campaign and took receipt of a set of specially designed ropes, which will be used to enhance safety around waterways in East Dunbartonshire.
The specially manufactured ropes, which are designed to be more effective when attached to lifebuoys, and less likely to knot and kink, can be retrieved and thrown more than once to increase the chances of them reaching someone in trouble in the water. They can also serve as a way of pulling them to safety.
Cllr Low, said, “It was a privilege to meet with Duncan Spiers and hear about the campaigning work that he and his wife Margaret have been leading. We are very grateful to receive these ropes and we will share Christopher’s story to help raise awareness of water safety.
“It is an issue we take very seriously. We are part of the *East Dunbartonshire Partnership Approach to Water Safety (ED PAWS) which was formed in 2022, to improve water safety across the area.
“By forming the partnership, all agencies that have a responsibility for water safety have demonstrated their commitment to strong partnership working and the sharing of information, good practice and resources - which is key to ensuring the safety of our residents and visitors.
Supporting the work of Christopher’s Saving Lives Campaign is a great opportunity to both raise awareness and make practical improvements to our local communities in terms of water safety.
Duncan Spiers’ son Christopher died by drowning in 2016, following a night out in Glasgow. When the 33-year-old fell into the River Clyde, he was able to raise the alarm, but a lifebuoy thrown into the water did not reach him and as it didn’t have ropes attached, it could not be retrieved and thrown again. Since the tragedy, Christopher’s parents have been campaigning for water rescue equipment near waterways – particularly in town and city centres where people are coming out of pubs and clubs and may be at higher risk of falling into water.
The campaign helps promote water safety and the specialised ropes are instantly recognisable due to their bright yellow colour intwined with purple thread, in memory of Christopher.
Duncan Spiers said ‘We were delighted to meet with Council Leader Gordan Low today and explain more about the need for safety ropes close to water. East Dunbartonshire Council is one of the first Councils to meet with us and we are very grateful for the support. As “Water Ambassadors” our aim is to promote water safety awareness and have rescue equipment extended to all waterways throughout Scotland.’
*The PAWS Partnership comprises Local Community Planning Partners and organisations including East Dunbartonshire Council, Scottish Fire and Rescue Scotland, Police Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service, Water Safety Scotland, RNLI, Scottish Water, Scottish Canals, RoSPA, Open Water Rescue and HM Coastguard.
