City of Lincoln Council has announced that a series of safety enhancing initiatives will be carried out at Swanholme Lakes over the coming winter months.
City of Lincoln Council has announced that a series of safety enhancing initiatives will be carried out at Swanholme Lakes over the coming winter months, following the tragic deaths of two teenage swimmers earlier this year.
The new initiatives build on the range of interventions introduced over the summer, including additional signage, installation of water safety equipment and the deployment of safety wardens.
The city council is now introducing a range of measures designed to discourage access to the water and make it even clearer that swimming is not permitted at the site.
Work will include planting gorse and bramble on some of the sandy bank areas, making these areas less attractive as informal ‘beaches’ while retaining views across the water.
The council also plans to discuss with Natural England the possibility of using a clay substrate to make sandy areas within the council boundary less inviting for recreational use.
The existing fencing will continue to be maintained and strengthened. A bid has also been made to DEFRA for funding to extend the fencing in selected places around the lakes and provide a more effective long-term barrier.
The council is also considering installing palisade fencing on some slopes leading down to the water to further restrict access. The site's topography may make installation challenging, so the viability of this option will be confirmed once a contractor has assessed the location.
Further signs will be installed reminding visitors that swimming is prohibited and asking people to keep dogs out of the water.
The city council is also working with partners to get the message out across the city’s schools, starting early next spring, about the dangers of swimming in our open waters once temperatures begin to rise again.
Cllr Rebecca Longbotton, Portfolio Holder for Remarkable Place at City of Lincoln Council, said:
“The loss of two young lives at Swanholme Lakes this year was a tragedy, and our thoughts remain with their families and everyone affected.
“These new measures are an important part of our work to reduce the risk of people entering the water and to make the safety message as clear as possible. We need everyone visiting Swanholme to take the warnings seriously, respect the barriers and signage, and stay out of the lakes.”
A request for a commemorative bench on site for Declan Sawyer is also being processed, with an expected installation likely to take place in spring or summer 2027, allowing for consideration of the most appropriate location.
A member of Declan’s family is also providing a photograph and wording for a plaque to be attached to the throw-line cabinet as a commemoration and safety reminder.