Building a safer future around water: Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park’s journey with RoSPA

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park undertook an Inland Water Safety Review which helped establish a strong foundation for its water safety strategy.

Leigh Hamilton is one of the two Ranger Managers for Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.  As well as having responsibility for the Ranger Service Management, health and safety, budget, planning and development, she has been project lead for water safety at the park since 2019.

Leigh said: “When I took on the water safety project, I realised that we required a baseline assessment of our sites.  I enlisted a RoSPA consultant to help evaluate our sites for PPE, hazard signage and any other mitigations. 

“From the initial consultation in 2019 and follow-up report, I could see that there was a well thought out process for compiling risk assessments.  I received clear and structured advice and guidance which helped kick start our water safety journey, I still refer to the report today.”

Championing water safety across Scotland

After being introduced to RoSPA’s Head of Policy and founder of Water Safety Scotland (WSS), Carlene McAvoy, through the local Partnership Approach to Water Safety Group (PAWS) in West Dumbartonshire in 2020, Leigh became involved in shaping water safety nationally.

She said: “I was relieved to see a forum who were committed to producing guidance and key resources to help align water safety in Scotland and have continued to work with Water Safety Scotland ever since. 

“I am honoured to be a member of the WSS Steering group and try hard to fulfil my duties to promote the amazing work they do. I always strive to be part of the progressive decision making as the work of WSS is making such a difference in Scotland. 

“I would recommend working with RoSPA and have done many times.  I regularly signpost local landowners to the RoSPA website and encourage responsible evaluation, highlighting areas to consider.”

Find out more about RoSPA’s Inland Waterways Site Review consultancy here