By Council green light strategy to keep locals safe after open water tragedy
North Lincolnshire Council have given the green light for a strategy to keep locals safe after an open water tragedy in Scunthorpe.
The council have confirmed a three-pronged approach will be introduced to reduce the risks at a notorious pond in Scunthorpe. The plan will also cover additional open water spots across North Lincolnshire.
Working in collaboration with schools, colleges and the Youth Council, North Lincolnshire Council will deliver a “hard-hitting” certificated education programme that highlights the dangers that open water swimming poses.
The move follows the unprecedented temperatures experienced across the country last month and the current heatwave warnings that have been put in place this week.
The council confirmed there will be an increased police and fire service presence to ensure everybody remains safe, with regular patrols planned at Ashby Ville pond, which is the same body of water that sadly claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy last year.
“There will also be a programme to restrict easy access to parts of the pond with new planting alongside the banning of inflatables at the site for the general public,” the council said.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said:
“Some young people are still risking their lives swimming in open water such as Ashby Ville pond.
“We are determined to work with schools, colleges and the Youth Council to produce a campaign to really drive home the dangers these waters pose. We will be asking young people themselves to be at the heart of this.
“The successful joint patrols warning of the dangers with the police and fire will also be stepped up. If this is ignored people will be hit with a £150 fine.
“We will also be looking at ways to make the site less accessible to young people and ban inflatables on Ashby Ville.
“Parents must also help – don’t let children in the water and please stress the very real risks of getting into open water.”
