Scotland is blessed with some of the most beautiful watery spots in the world - lochs, rivers and seas. Wild Scotland is keen to help ensure that everyone visiting these special places is able to enjoy them safely, and our members are committed to following Best Practice Standards which include safety.
Wild Scotland is now a proud member of Water Safety Scotland (WSS), which is a voluntary association of organisations and individuals that aims to reduce drownings in Scotland through engagement with relevant partners. WSS does important work in relation to progressing the issue of water safety signage, supporting local authorities to develop water safety policies and creating educational workshops aimed at school pupils.
WSS is also funded by the government to distribute consistent water safety messaging in relation to water-based activities, such as those run by our Wild Scotland members. The following links and information from Water Safety Scotland are useful and relevant to everyone taking part or guiding these activities in or near the water.
Please click on the links to have a read, watch the videos - and share!
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Key safety messages:
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Safety messaging for specific activities:
With the huge increase in people enjoying the benefits of wild swimming, it’s incredibly important to also understand how to keep safe while doing so. WSS’s new Open Water Swimming Safety Video provides key advice on how to keep safe when open water swimming in Scotland’s waterways.
Water Safety Scotland is hosting a Water Safety Open Day on Friday 25th July 2025 to mark World Drowning Prevention Day. This will take place at Loch Lomond Shores in Balloch. Do come along to take part in water-based activities and learn about water safety. A few of Wild Scotland’s wild swimming guide members will be there, so you can also find out more about us, and them!
Header image photo credit: Wilderness Scotland