A dispersal order has been put in place at Cosmeston Country Park as South Wales Police and the Vale of Glamorgan Council move to tackle a rise in dangerous and antisocial behaviour around the lake.
Police say people have been jumping into the water from height and ignoring repeated warnings about the risks of entering open water. The dispersal order gives officers the power to direct individuals or groups to leave the area if their behaviour is likely to cause alarm or distress. Patrols at the park have also been increased.
Rob Thomas, Chief Executive of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said the situation had become increasingly unsafe.
“We have been in discussion with South Wales Police about a dangerous situation at Cosmeston Country Park,” he said.
“People have again been jumping into the lake from bridges and swimming in the water.
“Repeated requests to stop have been ignored, as have warnings about the risks of entering open water without lifeguards and safety precautions in place.
“That has left us with no option other than to ask the Police to take formal action to prevent serious injury or worse.
“Entering open water is extremely foolish and some of the behaviour witnessed beggars belief.
“The message is simple: Don’t enter the water at Cosmeston. Cold water shock can kill as can strong currents and hidden hazards.”
The council says the issues at Cosmeston form part of a wider pattern of unsafe behaviour across the Vale in recent days. People have also been seen jumping into the sea from Penarth Pier and Rhoose Point, while fencing installed at Cosmeston to prevent access to the lake has been deliberately damaged.
Elsewhere, a picnic bench at Porthkerry Park was destroyed by a barbecue, and a deliberate fire at a play area forced its temporary closure. The council noted that disposable barbecues have now been banned across the UK.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service is currently dealing with multiple wildfires across the region, prompting the council to cut meadows to reduce the risk of grass fires.
The council’s enforcement and community safety teams, along with neighbourhood policing teams, have stepped up patrols in key locations. The council’s camera car has also been deployed at Cosmeston, and options for installing permanent CCTV at the park and at Penarth Pier are being explored.
Parents are being urged to support the council and police by reminding young people of the dangers of entering open water and encouraging them to swim only in designated bathing areas.
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