Letter: Swimming safely

The tragic news of the death of Patrick Phillips, who died while diving in a loch during the heatwave (your report, 5 July), reminds us of several ways in which we should be protecting our children - as well as adults.

For starters, it is absolutely crucial that children are all taught how to swim at school. I know it is one more apparent luxury to pay for when all around us costs are being cut, but what price safety?

Not only should they learn how to swim to protect their own lives, but they should all be taught how to rescue others who are in distress.

Secondly, we need seriously to challenge the "health and safety gone mad" brigade, who think it's hysterical to want to put warning signs up in hazardous areas.

I have never been to the loch where Patrick Phillips died (there may well be signs warning people of the dangers of swimming there) but most of the lochs I have visited in Scotland look safer than they are and don't have very prominent signs cautioning would-be swimmers.

Outdoor swimming is a wonderful, free feeling and people should be equipped with enough knowledge to do it safely.

Margaret Whitehead

Brighton Place

Edinburgh