POLICE Scotland has been accused of “irresponsible” behaviour by backing the withdrawal of water safety equipment designed to save people from drowning.

The single force decided last month to ditch vital water ‘throw lines’ from patrol vehicles. The kit has been used to help people who get into trouble in rivers, lochs and near harbours.

However, a backlash by officers was followed by the force promising to review the controversial decision.

Police cars contain water safety kits in case officers get called to life-threatening incidents off-shore.

The packs include ‘throw lines’ – essentially a rope that can be thrown to someone in danger – and safety vests.

Although such incidents also involve the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS), police officers are often first on the scene.

In these circumstances, officers can use the equipment available to them as a first step to FRS involvement.

However, the Sunday Herald has learned that Police Scotland’s Health and Safety Board recently opted to get rid of throw lines from their vehicles.

As the decision filtered down through the ranks, it is understood officers expressed alarm at the safety implications for themselves and individuals who are in danger.

Critics believe the decision could leave officers powerless to intervene in life and death situations.

A police source said water safety kits cost over £100 and maintaining the equipment also comes at a price.

Withdrawing the kit is expected to result in a cost-saving to the force.

However, a final decision has been deferred and knocked forward into the future.

Although a political consensus exists that cuts to Police Scotland are inevitable, the single force is again under fire for the nature of its expenditure reductions.

Its decision to axe over 1000 police staff jobs has resulted in officers ‘backfilling’ vacated civilian posts.

And the water safety cuts have been made despite senior officers still pocketing a taxpayer-funded allowance to help to pay their mortgages.

Labour MSP Elaine Murray said: “I was very concerned to hear from local officers that they had been told they would not be carrying the safety kits. I was concerned as officers are often first on the scene at these incidents. I welcome that Police Scotland is reviewing this decision, but I still question the decision in the first place.”

Scottish Conservative chief whip John Lamont said: “We know that Police Scotland’s top brass have a fleet of designer cars at their disposal, despite the budgetary pressures faced by the single force.

“Withdrawing something that could potentially save lives because of ‘cost savings’ seems downright irresponsible.

“At a time when public confidence is at an all-time low in Scotland’s policing, the single force needs to get its priorities straight.”

John Gillies, Director of People and Development at Police Scotland, said: “Following the Health and Safety Board meeting in August it has been agreed that any final decision on the use of throw lines is deferred while we undertake a further review.

“We propose to bring this back to the next Health and Safety Board which will meet before the end of the year.”