Safety fears after children spotted swimming in Doncaster's M18 lakes

Over the last few days, dozens of children and adults have been spotted swimming and using inflatables on the lakes near to junction 3 of the M18 and the junction with Great Yorkshire Way.

The lakes, sometimes known as the Amazon Lakes for their proximity to the internet giant’s Doncaster warehouses, are a popular spot for walkers and cyclists.

However, one eyewitness raised safety fears after spotting large groups of people in the lakes over the last few days during the hot weather.

She said: “There were several groups of children swimming and on inflatables in the water. It is quite isolated there and not patrolled.

“There are lots of warning signs up about deep water, algae and warning of no swimming. To me it looks like an accident waiting to happen.”

The lakes were created in 2017 as part of the iPort development.

They are visible to motorists using junction three of the M18.

Earth extracted in the creation of the lakes was moved to fill in a natural lake elsewhere on the site.

A spokesman for Yorkshire Water said: “Most people think reservoirs are safe places to swim, but they pose a huge risk which could lead to loss of life. They are often colder than rivers and this can result in cold water shock that can lead to hyperventilation, increased blood pressure, breathing difficulties and heart attacks plus water temperatures remain just as cold in summer as in winter.”