FIGURES released last Friday reveal that 321 people lost their lives in accidental drownings in the UK last year – almost one in 10 of them in the Highlands and islands.
The figures, published by the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF), also show the majority of those who died did not intend to be in the water, with 82 people having drowned while walking or running and 29 deaths while taking part in a commercial activity.
The number also includes 30 people who died from suspected natural causes while or after being in the water.