Marine Lake in Maldon has been refilled after standing empty for the last 10 months

Last weekend around two million gallons were pumped into the bathing areas which had been drained following the death of a swimmer in August

Officers at Maldon District Council now expect the lake to be open in time for the school summer holidays next month

Until recently Richard Holmes, facilities manager at Maldon District Council, said there was a threat that the lake would not open after a failure to recruit enough lifeguards to man the lake

Now applications have been received for the 15 posts on offer, and although no interviews have yet taken place Mr Holmes said that the uptake means that the situation has improved

"The water went back into the lake this weekend; and we are still working to a timetable for opening.

Things are looking better for people in Maldon at this time," said Mr Holmes

He added: "The biggest problem was lifeguarding issues. I don't know exactly how many applications have been received, but we're in a better position than we were a week ago."

Bathing areas have been expanded to include the former boating area and there will be a larger area of beach for visitors

The new look lake will also have lifeguard stations and designated entrances.

Maldon District Council is still awaiting a decision by the Health and Safety Executive as to whether it will be prosecuted for the death last August of Kevin Gay from Shoebury, who died after hitting his head on a submerged broken post

Published Thursday, June 19, 2003

Brought to you by the Essex Chronicle