Inverclyde Council is leading the development of a water safety policy in the area following the recent publication of Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Strategy.
The aim is to provide a “consistent framework” for the identification, assessment and management of risks across local authority-owned and managed land.
It comes after the national strategy for 2026 to 2030 was launched by Water Safety Scotland on World Drowning Prevention Day on Saturday, July 25.
An update on the subject is set to be considered at a meeting of the council’s education and communities committee on Tuesday afternoon.
It states: “Following the publication of Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Strategy 2026-2030, Inverclyde Council’s Inclusive Communities Service is leading the development of a local water safety policy, in line with the national expectation that all Scottish local authorities have an active and regularly reviewed policy in place.
“The policy will provide a consistent framework for identifying, assessing and managing water safety risks across council-owned and managed land, including coastal and inland water environments.
“Development will be coordinated through the Inverclyde Partnership Approach to Water Safety Group, involving relevant council services and partner organisations, including Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and HM Coastguard.
“The work will include a review of existing water safety arrangements, risk assessments, signage and public rescue equipment, taking account of emerging national guidance and good practice.”
The proposed policy is expected to be brought forward for formal approval following consultation, with any “significant financial or resource implications” considered through the council’s governance processes.
Members will be asked to note the update as well as a number of others that relate to communities and cultural services at next week’s meeting.
