Safety patrols considered after lake death

A council is set to introduce new safety measures following the death of a 15-year-old boy at a lake.

City of Lincoln Council said the proposals, which will be considered by the authority's executive committee on 14 July, include a trial for a patrolling safety warden scheme and closer partnership working on water safety.

It comes after an inquest heard Declan Sawyer died from drowning after getting into difficulty at Swanholme Lakes nature reserve, part of Hartsholme Park, Lincoln, on 24 May.

Council leader Naomi Tweddle said his death had "deeply affected our community".

The council, which had previously faced calls for an increase in ranger services, said the trial would run over the busy summer period, and be used to identify whether any longer-term measures or changes to policies were needed.

It includes plans to discourage antisocial behaviour and promote responsible use of open spaces.

Tweedle said: "Our parks, lakes, and open spaces are treasured places that thousands of people enjoy safely every year.

"However, when a tragic incident occurs, it is right that we reflect carefully and consider whether there is anything more we can reasonably do to help keep people safe."

She said education was vital.

"We want people to understand the dangers that can exist in open water and to make informed decisions when visiting our parks and open spaces," she added.

In May, The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) issued a warning following a number of fatal incidents.

It advised that people should swim in supervised locations with lifeguards where possible and enter the water slowly to reduce the risk of cold-water shock.

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