Grandmother of Bawsey Pits drowning victim Radek Gina petitions for 'better' safety measures at beauty spot

A grandmother is petitioning for better safety measures at Bawsey after her grandson Radek Gina, 20, drowned there last week.

Mr Gina was pronounced dead at the Bawsey Country Park last Wednesday, despite the valiant efforts of rescuers and an off-duty paramedic who tried to revive him.

Dawn Cunningham of Wisbech has spoken of the "devastating loss" that has befallen her family and hopes to prevent other deaths in the future.

There are six No Swimming signs between the car park and the area where Mr Gina drowned, but Mrs Cunningham believes more could have been done by staff.

The park's owners issued a plea for people visiting the site to stay out of its waters in the wake of the tragedy.

Staff at the park are coming up with a safety plan to put in place as well as a media campaign.

The petition, which has been set up via change.org, said: "On Wednesday, the 16th of June 2021 our grandson Radek tragically lost his life in the water at Bawsey Country Park Norfolk.

"There are signs to say don’t get into the water and old quarry and very dangerous, but this is not the first time that this has happened, The signs are clearly not working."

She said: "The signs obviously aren't enough. They need a barrier in place or even pictures of the people who have lost their lives. I can't describe the devastating loss we have suffered and we hope to prevent another family going through this.I want the park to be closed until the measures are put in place. There is no lifeguard there to help people, that would be something at least.I’m very confident action will be taken. I don’t think it should be shut down, but the lake should be closed to the public. Radek was a lovely boy and we all miss him greatly.

"Radek's dad went down there on the same day, he saw people swimming in the water and told him that his son had drowned but they didn't listen."

Violet Cunningham, Mr Gina's aunt spoke to the Lynn News about her nephew's death.

She said: "On Bawsey's Facebook page they have pictures of people in the water. They don't comment on them saying that this against park rules. It's mixed messages from the park itself. They need to say what's under the water and explain about the hidden dangers. It's an old quarry so there is machinery under there and all sorts."

Tributes have poured in over social media and flowers have been left at the waterside at Bawsey.

Norfolk Police are investigating the circumstances around the death and an inquest will be opened once enquiries have been completed.