MP for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath, Lesley Laird, is backing the Royal Life Saving Society's campaign to 'think safety' when they are either on the beach or beside a feature such as the big loch at Lochore Meadows.

There are also other areas such as the deep water at Westfield, which prove an attraction especially to youngsters, and of course Loch Leven is just behind Benarty Hill.

The UK’s Drowning Prevention Charity, has issued an urgent safety warning to people at home and abroad, as the hot weather is set to return this week.

Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), the UK’s Drowning Prevention Charity, is urging the general public to stay safe around water after media reports of a number of drownings across Scotland over the last few weeks.

July alone has seen three young men tragically lose their lives, in one incident at Glenburn Reservoir and two separate incidents at Loch Lomond.

Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in Scotland with an average of 50 deaths per year – nearly double that of the UK as a whole and Lesley Laird, ho is also Shadow Scottish Secretary, said: “We’re lucky to live in a country which boasts such beautiful and accessible stretches of water and, given the fantastically warm summer we have been having, it’s only natural we should want to enjoy ourselves in the water.

“However, it’s important we do so safely and be aware of the risks. RLSS UK has issued a Water Safety Code which is practical, easy to understand and I’d urge people to make themselves familiar with it.

“Remembering these few simple rules could mean the difference between a day of fun – or a day of tragedy.”

Di Steer, CEO RLSS UK said, “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the friends of families of the victims of the recent drownings. We recognise that these tragedies increase in good weather but with the unprecedented heatwave, the figures are heartbreakingly high.

"We understand how tempting it is to cool off in the nearest body of water and we don’t want to stop people having fun. All we ask is that people take some simple, quick precautions to help keep them, their families and their friends safe.

"The ‘Water Safety Code’, has been developed as part of our tireless education work, to try and prevent these avoidable tragedies".

The WATER SAFETY CODE says that whenever you are around water: STOP AND THINK: Look for the dangers. Always read the signs.

STAY TOGETHER: Never swim alone. Always go with friends or family. Only swim where there is a lifeguard.

In an emergency: CALL 999 OR 112: Shout for help and phone 999 or 112.

FLOAT: If you fall in, float or swim on your back. Throw something that floats, to anyone who has fallen in the water.