Wardens to patrol lakes after deaths

Wardens are set to patrol a nature reserve following the deaths of two teenagers.

City of Lincoln Council said they would operate seven days a week at Swanholme Lakes, which is part of Hartsholme Park, from Friday.

In May, 15-year-old Declan Sawyer drowned at Swanholme Lakes. A 16-year-old-boy died last week after getting into difficulties at the same location.

Simon Walters, the council's director of communities and environment, said a "firm line" was being taken but stressed the wardens are not lifeguards.

He said the wardens would discourage swimming in the lakes.

Police will be called if people fail to leave the water when asked, he added.

Walters said: "The lakes are so dangerous. We are taking a really firm line.

"The message is do not go into these lakes - they are not safe."

The proposal is expected to be approved by the council's executive and the patrols would run until the end of October.

Declan Sawyer, 15, died after getting into difficulty in the water at the nature reserve on 24 May.

On Thursday, a 16-year-old boy died in hospital after being rescued from the lake.

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