Signs warn swimmers of river dangers
Campaign launched over ‘changeable and treacherous’ Tay

By Mark Dowie
Published: 07/07/2009

NEW safety signs warning of the dangers of swimming in the River Tay were unveiled at Perth yesterday.
Moncrieffe Island, on the outskirts of the city, is a particular favourite with bathers but the public are now being warned that the river can be changeable and treacherous.

The signs are being erected at sites throughout Perth and Kinross but the first were unveiled yesterday in Perth at Bellwood Park.
They were produced by a partnership of the Safe-Tay campaign, Perth and Kinross Council, Tayside Fire and Rescue and Tayside Police.
As well as safety warnings, the signs also provide information on what to do in the event of an incident.

Lisa Stuart, of Safe-Tay, said the signs had an important role to play. She added: “Our aim is to erect them in prominent positions to draw the public’s attention to be safe in, near or around waterways.”

The council’s community safety vice-convener, Councillor Elspeth Maclachlan, said: “The river looks calm and inviting on hot summer days, but can be very treacherous.”