Lincolnshire Police have confirmed that a 16-year-old boy died after getting into difficulty at Swanholme Lakes in Lincoln on Thursday, July 9, 2026. This marks the second fatal incident at the nature reserve in just seven weeks.
Emergency Response and Hospital Death
Officers were alerted at around 5pm following reports that the teenager had encountered trouble in the water. Emergency services, including Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue and East Midlands Ambulance Service, responded and recovered the boy from the lake. He was treated at the scene and initially responded to treatment before being rushed to hospital, where he died at 8.50pm.
A Lincolnshire Police spokesperson said: "Our officers, along with Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, were deployed and recovered the boy from the water. He was treated at the scene by colleagues from East Midlands Ambulance Service and initially responded to treatment. Sadly, despite the efforts of emergency services and hospital staff, he died at 8.50pm. His parents were with him at the hospital."
Community Impact and Previous Tragedy
The incident follows the death of 15-year-old Declan Sawyer, who drowned at the same location on May 24, 2026. The police spokesperson added: "Our thoughts are with his family and friends, and we send our condolences at this incredibly difficult time. We appreciate that such tragic news will be difficult to process as a community and anyone affected is encouraged to seek help and support where they need it."
A file will be passed to the coroner. Authorities have issued renewed warnings urging people to stay out of open water, as the City of Lincoln Council prepares to approve a pilot scheme deploying wardens to patrol the city's open spaces and lakes.
