The family of a young Alexandria dancer who lost her life in the River Leven said the news of water safety training for secondary school pupils in West Dunbartonshire is “an amazing step”.

Bonhill’s Ava Gray was just 12-years-old when she got into trouble whilst swimming with friends near Balloch Bridge in August 2020.

Less than a year later, Connor Markward, 16, died on July 23 whilst playing with friends in the loch near Balloch Country Park.

The following day, Edina Olahova, 29, Rana Haris Ali, nine, and their friend Muhammad Asim Riaz, 39, died after getting into difficulty in the water off Pulpit Rock, near Ardlui.

Since Ava’s death her family have campaigned tirelessly for improved water safety awareness for young people, and last week it was confirmed that every pupil at secondary schools in West Dunbartonshire had received water safety lessons.

Ava Gray

Ava Gray

All local authorities will establish a Partnership Approach to Water Safety (PAWS) group that comprises council, public, emergency services and voluntary organisations, ensuring a cohesive community effort to enhance safety for local residents and visitors to the area.

Ava’s aunt, Jamie Gillies, told the Reporter: “I think it is an amazing step forward as we all think it is the education that every pupil needs. We’re all just really happy to see a conscious effort being made to changes and improvements around water safety.

“We all really hope that this helps to make a difference, not only in our community, but across Scotland.”

In the past school term all secondary schools have worked with youth engagement officers on delivering key messages about water safety in preparation for the summer holidays, when incidents of water tragedies most commonly occur.

Meanwhile, on the shores of Loch Lomond at Balloch Park and along the River Leven 25 additional public rescue equipment stations and location signs have been installed since 2021.

Councillor Martin Rooney, chair of the West Dunbartonshire Community Planning Partnership said: “We are proud that the good work of the partnership has been recognised by the Scottish Government and we hope that a nationwide rollout of the PAWS approach will save many lives.

“By committing to strong partnership working, sharing information, skills training and resources, all agencies not only support and learn from each other but also amplify their voice in the community with a shared consistent message that raises public awareness of the very real dangers of swimming in coastal and inland waters.”