PSNI receive reports of quarry swimming in hot weather - ‘it simply is not worth the risk’- danger from toxic water, dead animals, submerged machinery

Police are asking the public not to even think about swimming in quarries dueing the hot weather.
By Gemma Murray
Published 28th May 2020, 12:39 BST
Updated 28th May 2020, 13:05 BST
A remote disused quarry in rural Co Down, Northern Ireland, where Colin Polland died in a bid to save Kevin O'Hare 15, who got into difficulties when swimming in the quarry, but also diedA remote disused quarry in rural Co Down, Northern Ireland, where Colin Polland died in a bid to save Kevin O'Hare 15, who got into difficulties when swimming in the quarry, but also died
A remote disused quarry in rural Co Down, Northern Ireland, where Colin Polland died in a bid to save Kevin O'Hare 15, who got into difficulties when swimming in the quarry, but also died

In a post on PSNI Facebook a spokes man said: “It’s good see the beautiful weather returning but unfortunately we are now receiving a number of reports about young people using the quarries in our area.

“With the weather that is due over the next few days it is so tempting to head down to a quarry for a bit of fun in the water to cool off, but there are so many dangers present that it simply is not worth the risk.

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“Quarry water is much colder that our rivers, lakes and even the sea due to the depth of the water and underground sources.

PSNI warning about quarry waterPSNI warning about quarry water
PSNI warning about quarry water

“Jumping in to this extremely cold water will cause the body to have a gasp response, affecting your breathing circulation and heart rate which could cause death within seconds.

“After that your body will begin to lose motor functions, you will become exhausted quickly and coordination will become difficult meaning that you will not be able to swim to safety or even hold on to anything which might help to save you from drowning”.

The post adds: “Other dangers include: Submerged machinery and debris - you simply don’t know what is just below the surface

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“Pollution - You can’t tell from looking at the water what chemicals are present. Simply put, the water could be toxic and make you ill.

A secluded quarryA secluded quarry
A secluded quarry

“Dead Animals - for the same reasons that quarries are dangerous for you, they are also dangerous for other animals.

“Rubbish - As beautiful as many quarries look, due to their secluded locations people regularly use them for fly-tipping”.

They add: “I know this is another serious post in serious times but we do not want to see anyone being injured or killed when all they are wanting to do is have a bit of fun this weekend.

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“So please, have a chat with your young people and make sure they understand the dangers of quarries.

“More detailed information can be found on:

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/staying-safe-around-quarriesEnjoy the good weather and stay safe”.

Related topics:PSNIFacebookAnimalsPollution