Newark and Sherwood District Council warns residents trespassing at Gonalston Lane, Hoveringham

The dangers of open water are being highlighted after soaring weather temperatures led to illegal trespassing and a 'beach party' at a private lake.

Newark and Sherwood District Council received, and is investigating, numerous complaints in relation to the lake on Gonalston Lane, Hoveringham, where recent sunny days saw visitors turn it into a ‘beach party’, involving not only barbecues, picnics and inflatables, but most dangerously, open water swimming.

The surge in visitors to the privately-owned lake also led to irresponsible car parking, with motorists abandoning vehicles along verges and narrow roads, allowing little or no space for emergency vehicles to safely pass through.

Councillor Roger Jackson, chairman of Newark and Sherwood District Council’s leisure and environment committee, said: “Lockdown boredom and glorious weather may encourage people to cool off or go swimming in lakes and rivers, but it is of the utmost importance that they do not.

“On this particular occasion, not only are they committing an offence by illegally trespassing, the lake still remains closed with no lifeguarding. It is crucial that we do not place additional strain on the emergency services at this period of time.”

Lady Helen Nall, chairman of Hoveringham Parish Council, said: “We welcome visitors to Hoveringham all year round to enjoy its beautiful riverbank and numerous walks. All we ask is a little common sense, and respect for residents, other visitors, our livestock and wildlife.

“If a sign says ‘Private’ or ‘Deep Water’, it does so for a very real reason, to protect the public who may be unaware of the potential dangers.”

The district council is working alongside police to step up patrols of such destinations and will take dispersal action on any areas that become a problem, causing risk to others.

While encouraging everyone to enjoy and take advantage of its open spaces, the Council is urging everyone to be responsible while out and about, stick to public footpaths, adhere to social distancing guidelines and dispose of all litter responsibly.

Visitors have also been walking alongside the River Trent at Hoveringham, but are reminded that they must keep to the public footpaths. Livestock can be unpredictable and there have been reports of visitors leaving the footpaths to pet cattle.

A second lake, immediately adjacent to the River Trent is home to Nottingham County Sailing Club and under normal circumstances also offers safe and responsible open water swimming sessions. Due to the coronavirus outbreak, these are suspended and the lake remains closed until further notice.

Open water is cold and often much deeper than people think. In addition, rivers, canals and lakes are often polluted by toxic chemicals which can lead to illness.

The depth of the water changes and can be difficult to judge, being particularly low during periods of warm and dry weather. It may contain hidden rubbish and debris which can cause injuries and drowning.

Youths have also been witnessed ignoring social distancing and swimming and using inflatables in the River Trent near to the Farndon Marina.

The Canal and River Trust further warned the public not to be tempted to enter canals, rivers, reservoirs or other open waters in Nottinghamshire.

The charity said even the strongest swimmers could get into difficulties when in the water and that canal and river water would be very cold — even in the summer — which could take your breath away and paralyse your muscles.

The water will also often hide dangerous obstacles or currents.

The trust highlighted other ways to cool down including lounging in the shade of waterside trees; chilling on the bank beside the water; or waiting for your local swimming pool to open.

Regional director Phil Mulligan said: “Spending time by the water is a lovely way to spend a summer’s day and our canals, rivers and reservoirs are excellent places for families to visit and cool down.

"But it’s really important that people, especially children and teenagers, are aware of the dangers of going into the water. Taking a dip may be tempting but the consequences can be devastating.

“Inland waterways can look really inviting but you can’t tell what is below the surface. The water is often murky, and you won’t be able to see the depth or any obstacles in the water... please don’t get in the water, it’s just not worth it.”

The Canal and River Trust 'Explorers' water safety programme sessions — focussing on Key Stage Two children — have been impact by the lockdown.

To help with water safety education at home, the Explorers team has compiled a range of free activities, resources and games that can be found at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/explorers/learning-from-home/water-safety.

To find out more about staying safe near canals and rivers, go to canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/safety-on-our-waterways/summer-water-safety