City of Lincoln Council has approved a package of pilot measures designed to enhance safety across its parks, lakes and open spaces, with work set to begin from this Friday (17 July).
The measures, which were formally agreed by the council's Executive Committee at their meeting last night, include the introduction of a patrolling safety warden scheme, strengthened partnership working on water safety, and further work to explore additional ways to tackle anti-social behaviour in the city's green spaces.
The decision follows a review undertaken after two tragic deaths of teenage boys at Swanholme Lakes. While incidents of this nature are extremely rare, the council has considered what further practical steps can reasonably be taken to help improve safety while ensuring Lincoln's parks and open spaces remain welcoming places for everyone to enjoy.
From this Friday until the end of October, safety wardens will patrol key locations including Hartsholme Country Park, Swanholme Lakes, Boultham Park, the Arboretum and the city's commons. The wardens will engage with visitors, promote the responsible use of open spaces, discourage anti-social behaviour and provide a reassuring presence during the busiest months of the year.
Alongside their patrols, the wardens will gather evidence of visitor behaviour and unauthorised activity to help the council evaluate the pilot's success and inform any future decisions on longer-term safety measures.
The council will also continue working with the Lincolnshire Water Safety Partnership, helping to shape water safety initiatives across Lincoln and the wider county. Through the partnership, there will be a continued focus on education, raising awareness of the dangers of open water and exploring practical measures that could further improve public safety.
Cllr Naomi Tweddle, Leader of City of Lincoln Council, said:
“The recent tragedies at Swanholme Lakes have deeply affected our community and our thoughts continue to be with the boys’ families, friends and everyone impacted.
"Following a careful review, we've agreed a package of measures that will allow us to take practical action while continuing to learn what more can be done to help keep people safe.
"Importantly, these measures will be in place in time for the school summer holidays, when our parks and open spaces are at their busiest. By introducing a visible warden presence and working closely with the Lincolnshire Water Safety Partnership, we hope to improve safety, provide reassurance to visitors and help protect these important spaces for everyone to enjoy.
"Education will remain at the heart of our approach. 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. We'll continue to review the pilot over the coming months so that any future decisions are based on evidence and experience."
The pilot will run until the end of October, after which the council will review its effectiveness and consider whether any longer-term measures should be introduced.