Balderton Lake in New Balderton, near Newark, was closed on Thursday afternoon, May 28, as multiple emergency services, including police and the air ambulance, responded to a water incident. The lake was shut off following reports of a man entering the water.
Emergency Response
Balderton Parish Council and Nottinghamshire Police urged the public to stay clear of the area until further notice. A council statement said: "Balderton Lake is currently closed due to an ongoing incident. Emergency services, including Nottinghamshire Police and the Air Ambulance, are in attendance. For everyone's safety, please stay away from the area until further notice. We will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available."
Nottinghamshire Police confirmed: "Emergency services were called to Balderton Lake, off Heron Way, New Balderton, at 2:35 PM today (May 28) following reports a man had entered the water. Police, fire service, and East Midlands Ambulance Service teams remain at the scene, and we advise people to please keep away from the area."
Previous Warnings
Just two days earlier, on Tuesday, May 26, the council had issued a warning about the dangers of entering Balderton Lake after several reports of people swimming and paddling there. The warning stated: "This is strictly prohibited. While we're enjoying the warmer weather, open water like lakes, rivers, and reservoirs may look inviting, but you never know what lies beneath the surface. Even on a hot day, the water is much colder than you think. Jumping into open water can cause cold water shock, no matter how strong or experienced a swimmer you are. Entering the lake puts your safety at serious risk and disturbs the wildlife that depends on this environment. Please do not enter the water under any circumstances. Cooling off in open water is not worth the risk."
The incident remains ongoing, and further updates are expected from the authorities.
