The owner of Let's Go Hydro water park in Carryduff states he will drain the lake if young trespassers continue swimming in it at night. Pete Boyle said the risk of someone drowning keeps him awake and he cannot accept that responsibility.

Trespassers have climbed the fence and entered the lake over the past three weekends, arriving around 20:00 and staying until nearly midnight. Boyle noted the lake temperature reached eight degrees recently, giving anyone who enters about eight minutes before fatal hypothermia sets in.

The facility invested £30,000 in fencing alongside CCTV and other security measures. The Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed awareness of children entering the site.

Boyle emphasised the water is safe only with lifeguards and life jackets during regulated sessions. He said the company has limited further options beyond urging people to stay out.

Alliance MLA Kate Nicholl for Belfast South called children's safety paramount and asked parents to discuss water risks with their children. She noted no immediate help is available at night.

Sinn Féin councillor Daniel Basset pledged to work with local bodies, the owner, and community to prevent further incidents. SDLP councillor John Gallon warned families of the extreme dangers and said no one should drown.