Local Resident Demands Change After Tragic Drowning of Teen in Beckenham Place Park Lake
A long-time Lewisham resident has issued a serious safety warning following the tragic drowning of 15-year-old Izaiah Smith at Beckenham Place Park lake. The teen’s death has reignited debate over open water safety and night-time access to public parks in the borough.
Rodney Reed, a community activist who has lived on Foxgrove Road since the mid-1990s, says the park is not safe to remain open 24/7 and has urged Lewisham Council to introduce “drastic measures” to avoid further tragedy.
“Alarm bells are ringing – drastic measures need to be taken to improve security at Beckenham Place Park,” Rodney told the News Shopper.
“I don’t think it’s safe for the park to be open all night.”
What Happened to Izaiah Smith?
On April 4, Izaiah Smith got into difficulty in the park’s lake at around 3pm. Despite an extensive emergency services search, his body was not recovered until 10.40pm—over seven hours later.
A Lewisham Council spokesperson said they “deeply regret” Izaiah’s loss and are “working with police to establish the full facts.” The council has partnered with the Royal Life Saving Society to review safety protocols.
Resident: “It’s Like a Pool With No Lifeguard”
Rodney Reed, who has participated in community initiatives like tree planting and the garden show, said he had previously raised concerns about the lake’s accessibility.
“Can you imagine a public swimming pool without a lifeguard? That’s essentially what this is,” he said.
“If they can’t guarantee safety, they should close it.”
What Is Lewisham Council Doing?
In response to the tragedy, Lewisham Council said:
- The lake is only open to the public for pre-booked supervised sessions, with trained lifeguards present.
- At all other times, the lake is fenced off, locked, and clearly signposted to deter entry.
- CCTV monitors the site 24/7.
- Additional security staff are deployed during peak summer hours.
However, Rodney says this isn’t enough, especially when neighbouring boroughs like Bromley close parks overnight.
“Why can’t Lewisham follow suit? We see police helicopters over the park all the time—clearly, this isn’t an isolated issue.”
Balancing Access and Safety
Lewisham Council acknowledged concerns but cited community use as a reason to avoid night-time closures.
“Many of our parks are locked at dusk, but Beckenham Place Park has multiple pedestrian entrances and is a vital thoroughfare,” a spokesperson explained.
“Locking it entirely would disrupt early morning and evening access for residents who rely on it for exercise, dog walking, and commuting.”
The council added that income from local businesses in the Homestead Courtyard is vital for ongoing maintenance and improvements.
Rodney: Park Assets Should Fund Safety
Rodney believes the park’s assets, including Beckenham Place Mansion and surrounding woodland, are underused and could generate revenue for safety initiatives.
“I submitted a business plan to the council showing how they could monetise the park more efficiently and use those funds to reinvest in security and maintenance.”
Met Police: Public Must Understand Open Water Dangers
The Metropolitan Police has also weighed in on the tragedy. Chief Inspector Rob Ranstead warned that people often underestimate the risks of open water.
“Open water may look calm and inviting, but it can be dangerously deceptive. Strong currents, hidden hazards, and cold-water shock can affect even the strongest swimmers.”
He added that rivers like the Thames can pull someone a mile downstream in 10 minutes.
Conclusion: Tragedy Sparks Community Demand for Reform
Rodney Reed and other residents are calling for urgent reforms to ensure no more lives are lost at Beckenham Place Park. Whether through increased supervision, reduced access, or better use of park assets, the message is clear: action is needed now.
If you have concerns or suggestions regarding park safety, contact Lewisham Council or your local Safer Neighbourhood Team.
