'Reckless' swimmers 'putting lives at risk' in Sutton pond

Two residents were seen swimming up to a newly-installed wildlife island in Calladine Pond, on the Ashfield Estate, Sutton, earlier this week.

The island was installed in Calladine Pond in February, on the advice of the Wildlife Trust, to provide a safe haven for nesting birds.

It was made of completely reclaimed items and was being used by mallards and coots as a safe nesting site until they were disturbed this week.

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Ashfield District Council leaders were made aware of the incident and they have joined firefighters in reminding residents of the dangers of swimming in open water.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service district manager, Leigh Holmes, said: “We want the public to stay safe and well during this uncertain time and especially in

this lovely weather. However even though it may be tempting please do not go into the open water.

“We are asking the public to not enter the water or to not get too close to the water’s edge when out on their daily exercise. If you see someone struggling in the water, please remember to call 999.”

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Coun Jason Zadrozny, leader of Ashfield District Council and county councillor for Ashfield, said he was ‘upset to hear of this incident’.

He added: “It is reckless behaviour to jump into open water; they could have injured themselves and gotten into real trouble. The emergency services are currently stretched due to the ongoing pandemic, people should not be putting themselves into unnecessary danger.

“As well as endangering their own lives, they have interfered with the nesting wildlife that were on the new island that I had the council install earlier this year.

“I will say this again, please do not swim in any of our ponds, lakes or reservoirs.”

Commenting on the story on Facebook, Lauksmina Read posted: “I would say they’re most likely not the residents from this estate. I’ve seen all sorts of people walking over here from surrounding areas.”