Trespassers risk their health at outdoor pool in Portsmouth

Trespassers at Portsmouth’s Hilsea Lido have been risking their health by swimming in stagnant water.

The outdoor pool is closed this year due to coronavirus and the scorching weather has prompted Portsmouth Police to remind people of this in the wake of “ongoing issues”.

“Here in the North we are aware of the ongoing issues at Hilsea Lido. The Lido is closed,” said a spokesman.

“The water is stagnant, it has not been treated for many months. It is a danger to your health. There are no staff at the site, therefore no-one to assist you if you find yourself in difficulty.”

The spokesman continued: “There have been many incidents of youths trespassing and entering the water. There have been several reports of damage to the site, investigations are ongoing and we will consider prosecution if appropriate.

“We ask you as parents to remind your children of the risk this site may pose to their health.

“We live on an island surrounded by water, please use the beautiful beaches or your paddling pools at home if you’re thinking of cooling off!”

Hilsea Lido was built 85 years ago and is a fresh water lido. It was closed for a number of years but reopened after undergoing refurbishment under the control of Hilsea Lido Pool for the People. The group announced “with a heavy heart” back in July that it would not be opening the facility this year, but looked forward to welcoming people back in 2021.

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