Summer Safe West Lothian

Below, are some key safety tips and guidance from West Lothian Council and Community Safety Partners, including Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service:

Respect the Water This Summer 

A swim in open water might look enticing on a hot day, but it can quickly turn dangerous. Swimming in canals, reservoirs, and rivers is prohibited due to unseen risks.

• Hidden Dangers: Reeds, rusty old bicycles, and broken glass can be lurking below the surface, making it easy to get injured or trapped.

• Cold Water Shock: Even in high summer, all waters around Scotland are cold enough to trigger cold water shock.

• Depth Perception: Canals are often shallow, meaning you could seriously injure yourself if you jump in.

Stay safe and cool down with two feet on solid ground!

Water Safety Scotland has specific advice around keeping yourself safe around water this summer and reducing the risk of overheating:

• The Water Safety Code (opens new window)
   
• Cold Water Shock (opens new window) 
   
• Heatwaves (opens new window)

Fire Safety & barbeques

Help Reduce Deliberate Fires 

Deliberately set fires are a criminal offence that endanger lives and harm communities. Scottish firefighters attend around 20,000 deliberately set fires a year, which divert crews from genuine emergencies.

• Never leave a barbeque or campfire unattended
   
• Keep a bucket of water, sand, or a garden hose nearby for emergencies
   
• If a wildfire breaks out in the countryside, call 999 and request the fire service immediately
   
• Wildfires pose a serious threat to Scotland's landscapes, wildlife, and communities. We can all play a part in preventing them. By following a few simple guidelines, we can protect the places we love and keep ourselves safe. Follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code's advice (opens new window)

Sun Safety

Sun Safety Advice from the NHS 

Protect your skin this summer with a mix of shade, clothing, and sunscreen.

• Avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm.

• Cover up with hats, long sleeves, and tightly woven fabrics.

• Keep babies under 6 months old out of direct sunlight entirely.

• Always protect children and those with fair skin, freckles, red or fair hair, or moles.

Home & Neighbourhood Security

Keep Your Home Secure & Watch Out for Scams 

Don't let your guard down! "Theft slip-ins" can happen while you are busy indoors or relaxing in the garden. Keep your doors and windows secure to prevent intruders from entering unnoticed.

• Doorstep Crime: Rogue traders can appear legitimate with vans and business cards, but many are scammers. Don't let them in—just say no.

• Online Scams: Scammers are clever and target all age groups using fake websites and emails that mimic real ones. Always stop and think before handing over information, and remember that your bank will never ask for your PIN.