The lake where a 14-year-old boy tragically drowned has now been surrounded by rough stone in a bid to deter swimmers who ignore the warning signs.
Ashby Ville Nature Reserve in Scunthorpe contains a flooded quarry which is popular with bathers despite swimming being prohibited due to the danger. In July 2021, Kai Gardner-Pugh, 14, sadly died after getting into trouble in the water.
He was described as a “hard-working, humble, unassuming, and very intelligent young man” in a tribute by St Bede’s Catholic Academy in Scunthorpe. Despite the high profile tragedy, people report swimmers regularly use the flooded quarry.
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North Lincolnshire Council has now placed more than 100 tonnes of large stones across parts of Ashby Ville Nature Reserve in a bid to deter bathers from entering the dangerous waters. The pond, which is a local nature reserve and home to a range of wildlife, attracts crowds of visitors, especially in warm weather.
Despite warning signs, police patrols and £100 fines for anyone entering the water and refusing to come out when asked to do so, the council said people had still been swimming in Ashby Ville and getting into difficulties.
Part of the problem is that it is used as a “beach” because of the large quantities of soft sand at the edge of the lake. With this now replaced by rough stone, it’s hoped the number of visitors will reduce or stop entirely.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “There is no doubt that Ashby Ville pond can be a dangerous place – it is a disused quarry, it is very deep, has steep drop-off points, and there is even a car at the bottom.
“Despite this, people still insist on risking their lives. Laying down these stones may seem an extreme measure, but we will not compromise when it comes to saving lives. We are doing everything we can to make this area a safe place for people to enjoy.”
Swimming in disused quarries is particularly dangerous because the deep water is colder than lakes or the sea, even in summer. This increases the risk of cold water shock which can easily lead to drowning.
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Original artice: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/all-about/scunthorpe
