Call for more city rangers after lake tragedy
BBCA call has been made for an increase in ranger services in Lincoln's parks.
Urban ranger posts were cut by City of Lincoln Council in 2013, following a reduction in government funding.
Biff Bean, an independent member of the council for Hartsholme ward, has called for the service to be boosted following the death of a 15‑year‑old boy at Swanholme Lakes over the bank holiday weekend.
The council said it had a park ranger service covering Hartsholme and Swanholme Lakes but "open water will always carry risks that no single measure can remove".
It added that a ranger service had been based at Hartsholme Park since 1974, but Bean said the scaling back of the wider service had been a "big loss" and a "serious issue".
"The community needs somebody who can keep an eye on situations before they get out of hand," said Bean, who wants park rangers specifically keeping an eye on Swansholme Lakes.
"[Rangers] are a presence out there for people. They feel safer knowing these people are in our communities. We lost all of that."
He added that the city required rangers who could be present during hot weather, school holidays and busy out‑of‑school hours.
There have been renewed warning about the dangers of swimming in open water after at least 10 deaths in recent days.
The tragedies have included the death of 15-year-old Declan Sawyer, who was found in Swanholme Lakes by police on Sunday.
Council leader Naomi Tweddle said: "Tragically, incidents such as this are being seen across the country, and it is a stark reminder of the dangers open water can present."
The council said it was reviewing whether further measures or campaigns could improve public safety.
David Lynch, of Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service, said the recent reminders of the dangers were "heartbreaking".
He added: "Our key advice... is to not enter water unnecessarily. If you do want to have fun in the water, make sure that you're doing it safely, where there are experts or lifeguards at hand who know the dangers of the area and the basics of water rescue."
Listen to highlights fromLincolnshire on BBC Sounds, and watch thelatest episode of Look North.
Download the BBC News app from the App Storefor iPhone and iPad orGoogle Play for Android devices
