Emergency Services.

To contact emergency services in Scotland, call 999 or 112. For coastal waters or lakes, ask for the Coastguard. This number also covers medical emergencies, police, and fire services.

You can use your mobile phone, though signal may be limited in remote areas. Be sure to keep your phone waterproof. For inland waters like rivers or lochs, while the Coastguard can assist, other services like the police, fire, and ambulance teams will also respond.

If you're unable to make the call, signal for help by waving both arms or using visible items like a whistle or brightly colored float. A waterproof personal locator beacon (PLB) or VHF radio in coastal areas can help emergency services pinpoint your location. Always share your swim plan with someone beforehand, so they can raise the alarm if needed. In cold or remote areas, hypothermia can be a serious risk, so prompt action is crucial.

The What3Words system is a simple and accurate way to share your location using just three words. It divides the world into 3m x 3m squares, each assigned a unique trio of words. This makes it easy to pinpoint and share your exact location, whether you're on land or in the water. For example, if you're swimming at a specific spot on a large lake, you could use a What3Words address like "boat.calm.wave" to guide others or emergency services directly to you.

Learn more and find your location:
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