Family of drowning victim calls for Bawsey Pits closure

Click above to watch a video report by ITV News Anglia's Stuart Leithes


The family of a 20-year-old man who drowned at Bawsey Pits near King's Lynn are calling for the lakes to be closed.

Radek Gina from Wisbech went into the water at the West Norfolk beauty spot on the afternoon of Wednesday 16 June - one of the hottest days of the year.

Although swimming is banned at Bawsey Pits it remains a popular beauty spot Credit: ITV News Anglia

He was treated by paramedics but was later pronounced dead at the scene after getting into difficulties.

Radek's grandmother and aunt, Dawn and Violet Cunningham Credit: ITV News Anglia

His grandmother, Dawn Cunningam, is hoping a petition can be started calling for action to prevent further deaths.

The family have launched an online petition

She said the family had changed forever since Radek's death and he had left a big hole in their lives.

"It's like time stood still for us. It's really bad, really awful," she said.

"I'd like to see the water shut off from the public. or do something about trying to make it so it's not so inviting," Dawn Cunningham added.

Radek Gina Credit: Facebook

Swimming is banned at the beauty spot due to cold water shock, underwater hazards and suddenly changing water depths.

In a statement Bawsey Estate & Country Park said it has worked with the Police and the Fire Brigade in order to improve the safety of the park.

Then incident last week is the second fatality in the last year, after Kristers Bednarskis, from Peterborough, drowned at the popular country park in August. 

Tributes have been made to Radek Gina on social media calling him a "great lad".