87 Deaths Later, Texas City Shuts Down Swimming in Popular Lake Indefinitely

Lewisville Lake in Denton County is a hotspot for all Texans. However, recent incidents have forced the indefinite closure of the swimming beach at the lake. The city has cut off the public’s access to a wide area in the Lake Park area. The officials cited safety concerns about the sudden and uncharacteristic changes in the lake’s water levels. Lewisville Parks and Recreation have every reason to worry about the safety of the public.

In the wake of “several recent incidents” and two tragic fatalities, they could see no other option. However, the city’s residents were disappointed by the closure as the swimming beach was a popular spot for families to enjoy the water during the summer months. This reaction from the community has raised a thought-provoking dilemma: Should the public be upset about their obstructed summertime leisure when the city is prioritizing their safety?

Balancing safety and summer fun

This week two people drowned in Lewisville Lake. The first victim was a 17-year-old boy who is still yet to be identified. The poor teenager’s body was recovered from the lake by the Lewisville Fire Department’s diver on Wednesday. This accident came on the heels of another, which happened on Sunday.

A 45-year-old man named Chianti Reed drowned in the public swim area of the lake at around 3:40 p.m. Matt Martucci, spokesperson for Lewisville, informed the media that Reed was not wearing a life jacket when he entered the water.

He added that the lake has changed in recent months due to unknown reasons, and swimming without a life jacket is now extremely dangerous.

The Dallas Morning News shared Martucci’s written plea to the public that read, “… we want to remind people that life jackets should be worn anytime a person enters the water”. Martucci explained in the written statement that the lake has started to recede in the last few months. This has exposed the rocky bottom of the lake, which the swimmers need to wade through to get to the water.

These rocks are slippery and pose a significant risk of injury. Additionally, the receding waters have increased the chances of swimmers falling into dropoffs or deep chasms under the lake’s surface. The city officials are aware that despite this closure in effect, people may still sneak into the beach. Therefore, they have taken certain steps to prevent more accidents.

Vigilant measures to avert further swimming tragedy

The Park officials have barricaded the area and installed safety signs throughout the area to inform visitors about the danger. Although the larger park areas are still accessible, officials have warned the residents and tourists to stay away from restricted areas. However, city officials have also made free life jackets available to the public from the two facilities at Tower Bay and Lewisville Lake Park.

Read More: “Went Down in 10 to 15 Feet of Water”: Dark Clouds Form Over Swimming World as 88-Year-Old Man Meets With a Tragic Fate

In the last twenty years, Lewisville Lake saw 87 deaths from tragic drownings. However, the rate of drowning incidents has increased in recent months. In July, three more swimmers died on the lake, which included a 19-year-old man. All of these tragedies made it certain for the Park officials that it would be catastrophic to keep the lake open. They announced that the swimming ban will stay in effect until they can find a lasting solution.

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