Calls for more safety measures at Scunthorpe nature reserve after 14-year-old boy drowns
Kai Gardener-Pugh died at Ashby Ville earlier this week
Last updated 30th Jul 2021
People in Scunthorpe are calling for more safety measures to protect lives at a nature reserve.
It's after 14-year-old Kai Gardener-Pugh drowned earlier this week at Ashby Ville.
We're being told that, over the years, others have died in similar circumstances.
"It’s constantly happening"
Courtney Kendall is from Brigg, she never went in the water after two of her mums friends drowned there.
"Police officers and the fire brigade, they come into schools ever summer, they show you the dangers, they show you videos, they give you warnings, no one would listen.
"We’d go back in September, and everyone would be like, “I went swimming in Ashby Ville in the summer holidays I’m perfectly fine,” but it just takes one moment for you to be caught in weeds and that puts you in danger.
"It’s annoying, especially considering the amount of young lives that have been taken, they could have gone onto do amazing things if they’d have just listened to that one warning."
"The thoughts and prayers of the whole St Bede community are with Kai’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time"
In a statement, Kai's school, St Bede's Catholic Academy, says the community is "shocked" and "deeply saddened".
"Kai was a hard-working, humble, unassuming, and very intelligent young man with a close friendship group - a model pupil.
"He will be greatly missed and always remembered with affection.
"The school is in contact with Kai's parents, we are also providing support for students and staff who are affected by this dreadful news."
Was there a witness?
Humberside Police is still looking to speak to a man who was seen nearby at the time.
“We’d particularly like to speak with a man who we believe may have seen what happened and hold key information that would help with our enquiries.
"He is described as wearing a black polo shirt with grey denim shorts, and is reported to have white hair and a beard.
"If you have any information that would help with our enquiries, no matter how small, please contact us on 101 quoting log 370 of 27 July 2021."
#GetWaterWise
Lincs FM is continuing to highlight the risks of open water swimming as part of our #GetWaterWise campaign.
Cold water, unexpected currents and hidden machinery can all play a part in causing deaths.
Over the past 5 years, 27 people have accidentally drowned in Lincolnshire.
It's after a 40% increase in the number of cases. In 2019 there were 5, rising to 7 in 2020.
Last year, the county had the 10th highest number of accidental drownings.
Follow this advice, and stay safe around water
During hot summer days, lakes, rivers, reservoirs and the sea can look really tempting.
But beneath the surface can lie hidden dangers, cold temperatures an unexpected currents.
The Royal Life Saving Society has this advice to stay safe.
Look out for lifeguards
If you're looking for a place to cool off always find a lifeguarded swimming site.
It’s colder than it looks
Water at open water and inland sites is often much colder than it looks, cold water can affect your ability to swim and self-rescue.
Don’t go too far
Always swim parallel to the shore, that way you're never too far away from it.
It's stronger than it looks
Currents in the water can be very strong. If you find yourself caught in a riptide – don't swim against it – you'll tire yourself out. Swim with the current and call for help.
Bring a friend
Always bring a friend when you go swimming so if anything goes wrong you've got someone there to help.