VISITORS to Loch Lomond have been reminded to stay safe in and around the water after the death of a 20-year-old man near Luss last week.

The body of the man was recovered from the loch at 3.45pm on Wednesday, July 12.

Diyan Karami, from the Pollok area of Glasgow, is understood to have drowned after getting into difficulty whilst swimming near Culag, around three miles north of the village.

Last week's tragedy is the third fatal accident to have happened on the loch this year.

Stuart Mclevy, 21, from Yoker, died in hospital on May 6 after falling off a jet ski on which he was riding as a passenger..

Three days later, Helensburgh dad Maninder Singh, 25, lost his life after going for a swim to cool down while visiting Ardlui with friends.

Mr Singh, a father of a 10-month-old boy, died at the scene.

Emergency services were called to Culag last Wednesday after police received a report shortly before 2pm that a man had got into difficulty while swimming on the loch.

The latest fatal accident on the loch has sparked a fresh round of water safety awareness messages, with the peak summer period on the loch now in full swing.

James Macrae, vice-chairman and treasurer of the Loch Lomond Rescue Boat, said: “Firstly people should remember that if you go swimming on Loch Lomond it is extremely cold, so don't stay in the water for long.

“Secondly, if you can't swim, I would heavily recommend that you don't go in the water at all. This is particularly important because in many places around the loch there are ledges under water and the ground can fall steeply beneath your feet.

“If you're on the loch in a boat I can't stress highly enough the importance of wearing a lifejacket, no matter how experienced you are or how well you can swim.”

Mr Macrae also urged people using the loch for open water swimming – an increasingly popular pursuit on Loch Lomond and across the UK – to ensure they wear clothing which makes them highly visible to other loch users and to keep away from areas frequented by boats.

A spokeswoman for the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority said: “We are extremely saddened by the news of the tragic death on Loch Lomond. Our thoughts are with the young man’s family and friends.

“Our Ranger Patrol Boat attended the scene to support the Loch Lomond Rescue Boat and the emergency services.

“The loch is a beautiful place enjoyed by many visitors but it can be dangerous.

“We offer lots of advice on being safe of the loch and would urge anyone planning to go in or on the water to take extra care.”

Kenny MacDermid, national drowning prevention co-ordinator, with the Royal Life Saving Society, said: “We have enjoyed a spell of warm weather in Scotland and, as the weather improves and we head into the summer, it’s natural for people to make a beeline for water, to have fun and cool off.

“All we ask is that people are aware of the hazards and take note of simple water safety advice.”

RLSS UK Summer Water Safety Advice offers simple steps for staying safe around water at home and abroad:

– Look out for lifeguards: they help keep beaches and pools safe.

– Water is colder than it looks: cold water will affect your ability to swim and self-rescue.

– Don’t go too far out: swim parallel to the shore so you’re never too far from help.

– The current is stronger than it looks: sometimes it may not be visible at all.

– Bring a friend: that way you have someone close to help you.

– Don’t drink: alcohol slows you down and impairs your judgement.

A report on last Wednesday's incident will be submitted to the procurator fiscal; the identity of the man who died has not yet been made public.