Dumfries & Galloway Youth Water Safety Initiative Earns National Recognition 

The Galloway Activity Centre (GAC) has been awarded the prestigious Paddle UK Engagement Award for its transformative work in water safety education for young people in Dumfries and Galloway. Paddle UK, the national governing body for paddle sports, presents four awards annually to recognise excellence among its Delivery Partners. 

This marks the first year that two Scottish organisations have been honoured. The GAC received recognition for its partnership with the Loch Ken Trust in delivering water safety training. The other Scottish winner is Och Aye Canoe in Fife.

The award has been presented in recognition of the Dumfries & Galloway Youth Water Safety Awareness Programme, launched in 2023 in partnership with the Loch Ken Trust in response to a tragic incident on Loch Ken. This initiative has already provided life-saving training to over 200 young people – free of charge, thanks to support from the Holywood Trust, Drax and the Galloway Glens Legacy Scheme – and has ambitious plans for the future.

The initiative directly addresses Scotland’s drowning prevention strategy, whose aim is to “reduce accidental drowning deaths in Scotland by 50 per cent by 2026 and reduce risk among the highest-risk populations, groups and communities.” (www.watersafetyscotland.org.uk/about/strategy)

On average, around 50 people accidentally down in Scotland yearly, almost three times the national average.

Emma Harper, MSP, said, “Your work means that our region, with its abundant lochs and rivers, can provide a model to the rest of Scotland for how to keep water sports and recreation safe.”

The programme transforms traditional water safety training into an engaging, hands-on experience—participants practice real rescue techniques, ensuring memorable and practical lessons. This practical style of learning is more effective than classroom-based learning, and the scheme was highlighted in a case study by Water Safety Scotland (Water Safety Scotland Experiential Learning Guide: Case Study) as an exemplary template. Looking ahead to 2025, the LKT has secured funding for a pilot scheme with Castle Douglas High School to qualify pupils with the nationally recognised Paddle Safer Certificate. This more comprehensive syllabus builds upon the success of previous training.

“Receiving this award from Paddle UK reinforces our mission to make water safety education engaging and accessible,” said Ben Sharp, Centre Manager at Galloway Activity Centre. “Every year, we provide water safety training as standard for our residential school groups, yet across Dumfries and Galloway, access to this life-saving education remains limited—despite our region’s vast network of lochs, rivers, and coastline.

Thanks to the Loch Ken Trust’s efforts, funding is now secured for 2025, but our ultimate goal is clear: no young person should leave school without hands-on water safety training.”

Head Ranger, Loch Ken Trust, Leanne Pumpr, said, “We are pleased that our Loch Ken Youth Water Safety Programme will continue. Promoting water safety to our young people is important, given the number of accessible lochs, rivers, and open water in our region. This knowledge and skills are vital for young people, especially where they may access the water independently. We are very grateful to our funders and the fantastic team at the Galloway Activity Centre, without whom none of this would be possible.”

This initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration between businesses, charities, and funders—demonstrating how partnership drives real impact. By working together, the Galloway Activity Centre, Loch Ken Trust, and key supporters such as The Holywood Trust, Drax, and the Galloway Glens Legacy Scheme have created a sustainable, community-driven model for drowning prevention. We invite schools, community groups, and supporters to join us in prioritising water safety for future generations.

Representatives from Galloway Activity Centre and Loch Ken Trust have been selected to present their water safety education work at the upcoming Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) national conference in Birmingham on March 12th.