On a seemingly ordinary Sunday afternoon, the tranquil beauty of Ensor’s Pool in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, was shattered by a tragic incident that claimed the life of a young man. Wojciech Berlan, a 27-year-old resident of Redditch, Worcestershire, drowned after disappearing beneath the water while swimming at this popular local beauty spot. The incident, which occurred on August 17, 2025, has left the community in mourning and has prompted renewed discussions about the safety of open-water swimming.
The Tragic Incident at Ensor’s Pool
Ensor’s Pool, a designated local nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest, is a cherished location in Nuneaton known for its serene environment and ecological significance. Despite its beauty, the pool has a history of safety concerns, with swimming explicitly prohibited due to the risks associated with open-water environments.
On August 17, 2025, at approximately 12:24 PM, Warwickshire Police received a distressing report that a man, later identified as Wojciech Berlan, had disappeared beneath the water while swimming and had not resurfaced for over five minutes. According to accounts from other swimmers present at the scene, Wojciech encountered difficulties while in the water. The alarm was raised when he failed to re-emerge, prompting immediate action from bystanders and emergency services.
The West Midlands Ambulance Service was alerted at 12:19 PM, and a comprehensive response was mobilized, including two paramedic officers, Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) paramedics, an ambulance, and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance. HART paramedics worked closely with Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service to conduct a thorough search of the water, while other emergency personnel coordinated efforts on shore.
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Despite the swift and coordinated response, the outcome was heartbreaking. Wojciech Berlan was recovered from the water, but paramedics were unable to revive him. He was pronounced deceased at 1:30 PM, just over an hour after the initial report. Warwickshire Police later confirmed that Wojciech’s next of kin had been informed, and the force expressed their condolences, stating, “Our thoughts are with Wojciech’s family at this time.” The incident has been described as a devastating loss, with the community grappling with the sudden death of a young man in such tragic circumstances.
Investigation and Community Response
Warwickshire Police are continuing their investigation into the incident on behalf of the coroner, seeking to understand the circumstances that led to Wojciech Berlan’s drowning. Authorities have appealed for witnesses who were present at Ensor’s Pool during the incident to come forward with any information that could assist the investigation.
They have provided contact options, including calling 101 and citing Incident 174 of August 17, or submitting details online. The police have emphasized the importance of gathering as much information as possible to provide clarity for Wojciech’s family and to ensure a thorough examination of the event.
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The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the communities of Nuneaton and Redditch, where Wojciech Berlan was known. Local residents have expressed their grief and disbelief, with many taking to social media to share their condolences and reflect on the dangers of open-water swimming.
Ensor’s Pool, while a picturesque location, is not designated for recreational swimming due to its status as a protected ecological site and the inherent risks of its deep waters and unpredictable conditions. The incident has reignited discussions about the need for greater awareness and enforcement of safety regulations at such sites. In Redditch, where Wojciech lived, community members have described him as a vibrant individual whose loss has left a profound impact.
The West Midlands Ambulance Service also issued a statement, expressing their sympathies: “After recovering the man from the water, sadly nothing could be done to save him, and he was confirmed deceased on scene. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man at this truly distressing time.” The collective response underscores the deep sense of loss felt by those who knew Wojciech and the broader community affected by this tragedy.
Safety Concerns and Lessons Learned
The drowning at Ensor’s Pool is not an isolated incident, as the site has a history of similar tragedies. In 2013, another drowning occurred at the pool, highlighting the persistent dangers associated with swimming in unprotected open waters. Authorities have repeatedly warned against swimming at Ensor’s Pool, citing its ecological sensitivity and the risks posed by cold water, strong currents, and hidden underwater hazards. Despite these warnings, the allure of the pool as a local beauty spot continues to draw visitors, some of whom disregard the prohibitions.
This incident has prompted renewed calls for enhanced safety measures at Ensor’s Pool and similar sites across the UK. Open-water swimming, while increasingly popular, carries significant risks, particularly in areas not designated or supervised for such activities. Experts point to the dangers of cold water shock, which can cause involuntary gasping and rapid breathing, leading to panic and potential drowning. Additionally, natural bodies of water often have uneven depths, underwater obstacles, and fluctuating conditions that can catch even experienced swimmers off guard.
Local authorities and safety organizations are now urging the public to adhere to safety guidelines and avoid swimming in prohibited areas. Suggestions for improving safety at sites like Ensor’s Pool include increased signage to clearly communicate restrictions, regular patrols by park rangers or local officials, and public education campaigns to highlight the risks of open-water swimming. Some community members have also advocated for the installation of life-saving equipment, such as rescue tubes or life rings, near popular but hazardous water bodies.
The tragedy has also sparked broader conversations about the balance between preserving natural sites and ensuring public safety. Ensor’s Pool’s status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation underscores its ecological importance, which is why activities like swimming and fishing are restricted. However, the lack of enforcement and the pool’s accessibility continue to pose challenges for local authorities tasked with maintaining both safety and environmental integrity.
In the wake of Wojciech’s death, there is a collective call for action to prevent future tragedies. Community leaders, safety advocates, and residents are pushing for a multi-faceted approach that includes education, enforcement, and infrastructure improvements. By raising awareness about the dangers of open-water swimming and implementing practical safety measures, authorities hope to honor Wojciech’s memory and protect others from similar fates.
The death of Wojciech Berlan at Ensor’s Pool is a heart-wrenching reminder of the fragility of life and the hidden dangers lurking in seemingly idyllic natural settings. The swift response from emergency services, while commendable, could not alter the tragic outcome, leaving a family, friends, and community to mourn the loss of a young man. As Warwickshire Police continue their investigation, the focus has shifted to understanding the circumstances of the incident and preventing future occurrences.
This tragedy serves as a sobering wake-up call for communities across the UK to take open-water safety seriously. While Ensor’s Pool and similar sites offer beauty and tranquility, they also demand respect for their inherent risks. By honoring the restrictions in place, supporting safety initiatives, and fostering greater awareness, we can work toward ensuring that such losses are not repeated. Wojciech Berlan’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, and his story will serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of vigilance and responsibility in natural environments.