City of Lincoln Council is set to introduce new measures aimed at helping keep its parks, lakes, and open spaces safe for residents and visitors to enjoy.
The proposals, which will be considered by the council’s Executive Committee on 14 July 2026, include a trial for a patrolling safety warden scheme, closer partnership working on water safety, as well as exploring additional measures to tackle anti-social behaviour.
Following the recent tragic death of a young person at Swanholme Lakes, the council has reviewed what further steps can reasonably be taken to help reduce any further risks that may exist. Whilst incidents of this nature are extremely rare, the council recognises the devastating impact it has on the families affected.
These plans include a series of interventions on a trial basis to assess their impact over the busy summer period, including patrolling wardens that will engage with visitors, discourage anti-social behaviour, promote responsible use of open spaces and provide general reassurance to members of the public.
The wardens will also gather evidence on patterns of unauthorised activity and visitor behaviour, helping the council evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot and identify whether any longer-term measures or changes to policies and practices are needed.
In addition to the summer patrols, the council will continue working with the Lincolnshire Water Safety Partnership, a multi-agency group that includes Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, Lincolnshire Police, the RNLI and the Environment Agency.
Working alongside partners, the council will help shape water safety initiatives across both Lincoln and the wider county, with a strong focus on education, awareness and communicating the risks of open water. The partnership will also explore what further practical measures could help improve safety in the future, building on evidence, expertise and national best practice.
Cllr Naomi Tweddle, Leader of City of Lincoln Council, said: “The recent tragedy at Swanholme Lakes has deeply affected our community and our thoughts continue to be with the young person’s family, friends and everyone impacted.
“Our parks, lakes, and open spaces are treasured places that thousands of people enjoy safely every year. However, when a tragic incident occurs, it is right that we reflect carefully and consider whether there is anything more we can reasonably do to help keep people safe.
