Police patrols have been stepped up after large swathes of wild swimmers converged on Woodchester Park Lakes.
With high temperatures expected to continue over the Bank Holiday weekend and an increase in people visiting beauty spots across the district, officers say patrols will continue at lakes, canals and other waterways in the coming days.
Swimming at Woodchester Park Lakes is prohibited and officers attended the National Trust-owned site to promote water safety, encourage responsible behaviour and help reduce anti-social behaviour.
With the proposed reopening of Stratford Park Outdoor pool up in the air, Labour and Co-operative councillor Steve Robinson, who represents Nailsworth, earlier voiced fears that more people could be drawn to Woodchester Park. “I’m really concerned as Woodchester Park is in my county division and that more people will be encouraged to swim there,” he said.
“We know the dangers. We know that three years ago a Nailsworth resident sadly lost their life there.
“And following that, with the support of Stroud District Council, I’ve managed to get together all the 999 services, National Trust and the community services department here and we are still meeting because of the concern about wild swimming up in the lake.
A National Trust spokesperson emphasised that swimming is prohibited at Woodchester Park, warning that the lakes are deep and pose hidden dangers.
“The safety of visitors is our priority, and swimming is not permitted in the lakes at Woodchester Park,” the spokesperson said.
“The lakes are deep and hide many hazards. Mobile phone coverage is poor, making it difficult to summon help quickly. There is also signage on site clearly stating that swimming is not allowed.”
