Water safety

Lochore Meadows Country Park
Water safety and public launching at Lochore Meadows

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In case of emergency call 999
Give your exact location: Lochore Meadows Country Park, KY5 8BA
If available, notify staff at the Outdoor Education Centre or Willie Clarke Visitor Centre immediately

Lochore Meadows Country Park is a fantastic destination for enjoying paddlesports, with its scenic loch, well-maintained launch points, and welcoming community. Whether you’re paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, open water swimming or using another form of non-motorised craft, your safety and that of others is our top priority.

Water safety advice

Please remember there are no public lifeguards or dedicated safety cover at Lochore Meadows. If you are exercising your right to access you are responsible for your own safety.

Essential safety tips

  • Always wear a buoyancy aid or personal flotation device (PFD)—no exceptions.
  • Check the weather forecast before heading out. Strong winds or sudden changes in weather can make conditions dangerous.
  • Avoid paddling alone. If you must, tell someone your plans and expected return time.
  • Know your limits. Only go as far as your experience and fitness levels allow.
  • Carry a means of calling for help (e.g. a waterproof phone pouch or a whistle).
  • Dress for the water temperature, not just the air temperature. Cold water shock is a real risk—even in summer.
  • Keep clear of anglers, swimmers, and wildlife, and respect their space.

Children & young people

We strongly recommend that children under 16 must be:

  • Supervised by a responsible adult at all times
  • Wearing correctly fitted buoyancy aids
  • Using age-appropriate equipment

Further guidance and resources from Water Safety Scotland in relation to Lochore Meadows can be found by clicking the links below:

Launching your own craft

We welcome personal paddlecraft on the loch, but please ensure you follow the Outdoor Access Code. You have the right to responsible access to the water and land at lochore meadows as long as you do so responsibly. Key points from the code include:

  • Use designated launch points to avoid disturbing wildlife and damaging sensitive areas of the shoreline including the nature reserve.
  • Park considerately, especially during busy periods.
  • Do not block access roads or emergency routes.

Please be aware there is no lifeguard or water safety cover other than for paid hires. You are responsible for your own safety when launching a private craft. 

What’s allowed and what’s not

✔️ Permitted
  • Paddleboards (SUP)
  • Open Water Swimmers
  • Kayaks and canoes
  • Inflatable paddlecraft (if appropriate for open water use)
❌ Not permitted
  • Motorised craft (petrol or electric)
  • Craft used during organised events without prior booking and permission

Want to learn more?

Our Outdoor Education Centre offers instructor led lessons, guided sessions, and equipment hire. Whether you're a beginner or looking to advance your skills, we're here to help you stay safe and have fun.

Learn more

Guidelines for public use of Loch Ore

Loch Ore is a managed multi-use water area. Whilst you have a right to responsible access in line with the Outdoor Access Code we ask you to observe the following rules:

  1. Please keep clear of Whaup and Moss Islands and the nature sanctuary at the West end of the loch.
  2. All water users must be considerate towards others and those launching at their own risk must have suitable equipment and be able to make sound decisions based on the conditions.
  3. Canoes, kayaks and SUPs should ideally launch from the pebble beach. Sailing dinghies can use the slipway if they check at the OE centre.
  4. Inflatable toys should stay within the play and swim zone marked by the red buoys at the sandy beach.
  5. Public hires through the outdoor centre must stay within view in the watersports hire area.
  6. No fishing, swimming or diving is permitted from the pontoons at the Outdoor Education Centre.
  7. You may land on Tod Island, but please stay off the equipment and take any rubbish home with you. Groups that wish to stay overnight or have a campfire must gain approval from the OE centre.
  8. Loch Ore is not suitable for kitesurfing. Pettycur Bay (Kinghorn) and West Sands (St Andrews) are the most suitable local venues.
  9. Launching of your own craft on the loch is AT YOUR OWN RISK and does not carry insurance cover. Users are recommended to obtain appropriate liability and accident cover.
  10. It is highly recommended that watersports users wear suitable bouyancy aids/floatation devices or other form of bouyancy.