Parks bosses have been accused of ignoring safety fears over a lake in Newcastle.
Major concerns were aired over the lake in Leazes Park last winter, after a local vicar almost stepped out onto the frozen water when he mistook it for snow-covered grass. But, five months on, the Rev Mark Edwards says he has been left “flabbergasted” that there are still no warning signs or lifebuoys around the lake despite his warnings – and fears that there could be a tragedy this summer unless action is taken quickly, believing a child could “easily” slip down a slope at the edge of the water.
Mr Edwards, of St Matthews Church in Dinnington, said: “We are coming up to the summer months and if it’s a repeat of last summer’s heatwave the water is going to be an attraction to children and adults alike. I am flabbergasted but not surprised that those responsible for the park do not take the health and safety of the patrons seriously enough to have lifebuoys in prominent positions around the water edge.”
He first complained about the lack of safety measures in December, just days after a group of young boys died after falling into a frozen lake in Solihull.
Mr Edwards, a former lifeboat crew member, added: “I am saddened and disappointed that the safety issue I raised about Leazes Park back in December 2022 have not been acted upon. Despite their ‘Safer Parks For Everyone’ poster on display there is no mention of improved safety around water.
“The post does mention improved lighting, however there is no lighting around the pond. Imagine if someone fell into it at night? No lighting, no lifebuoys. No one seems to want to take ownership of the issue I raised last December. Is it going to take a tragedy before someone takes any notice? Sadly that is normally the case in these matters.
“Basic health and safety and basic maintenance of the park in some areas are simply being ignored and that saddens and disappoints me. In the old days the old fashion park keepers would have ensured that these issues were addressed.”
Urban Green, the charity which now manages Newcastle’s green spaces, said it was still working on a regional water safety plan that would “take time to complete”. A spokesperson said: “To ensure people continue to feel safe when visiting Newcastle’s parks and green spaces, Urban Green Newcastle works in partnership with a number of organisations to share important safety advice and guidance to park users.
“The Royal Life Saving Society UK have produced a report looking at water safety across Newcastle’s parks and we have been reviewing this with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service. As part of this work, it will be really important to establish a coordinated and region-wide approach to water safety; providing members of the public with clear and consistent information on how to stay safe around bodies of water.
“This will take time to complete in full, and Urban Green Newcastle will continue to work closely with national and regional partners, including Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, Newcastle City Council and neighbouring local authorities, to finalise our joint approach to water safety across the city’s parks.
“If members of the public see someone in danger in the water, they should follow the water safety advice from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue and call 999 immediately.”
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