A SUPERVISED swimming area could be created on Loch Lomond at Balloch Park after four people tragically drowned this summer.

Members of West Dunbartonshire Council have agreed to adopt a water safety policy for the area, and to look into establishing a lido at the country park, while creating a safer space for open air swimming.  

It comes after seven people drowned in Scotland in the space of a week, during the month of July.

Sixteen-year-old Connor Markward drowned in the loch while swimming with friends near Balloch Park  on July 23.

And the following day a second drowning tragedy, at Pulpit Rock, Ardlui, claimed the lives of Edina Olahova, 29, her son Rana Haris Ali, 9 and friend Muhammad Asim Raza, 41. 

A motion was brought before a full council meeting on Thursday by Conservative councillor Sally Page who called on the local authority to introduce a “robust” water safety assessment procedure in light of these incidents. 

Councillor Page said: “Sadly this summer has seen the deaths of four people due to drowning in Loch Lomond.

“There are approximately 30 deaths a year due to drowning in Scotland. During the warm summer weather there is an obvious desire for people to swim and a dedicated policy for swimming in the loch would give many benefits while increasing safety levels.

“There is strong local support especially from the West Dunbartonshire amateur swimming club who are 100 per cent behind this idea and have offered to help with lessons to give people the opportunity to join this growing popular sport of open water swimming.”

Council leader Jonathan McColl is to write write to neighbouring local authorities and members of the Glasgow City Region to ensure they take every opportunity to educate people on the dangers of open water swimming.

Councillor McColl will also write to ScotRail and the British Transport Police to ensure they take steps to provide information to travellers visiting Balloch and other tourist areas with open water.

Councillor Page continued: “It would be quite good to have posters on the trains highlighting the dangers of the loch and the fast flowing River Leven.”

Once in place the safety policy will be implemented across West Dunbartonshire benefitting people from Clydebank to Balloch.