Warning to NI public to stay out of quarry water in good weather

Quarry water is a 'stone cold killer', according to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).
The Scene at a disused quarry in County Down were Kevin O'Hare, 15, and 39-year-old Colin Polland both drowned  in 2013The Scene at a disused quarry in County Down were Kevin O'Hare, 15, and 39-year-old Colin Polland both drowned  in 2013
The Scene at a disused quarry in County Down were Kevin O'Hare, 15, and 39-year-old Colin Polland both drowned in 2013

In a statement this morning, DAERA call for people to "Stay out and Stay alive", as they warn of the dangers of swimming in disused quarries. .

In 2013 two local men drowned at an Annalong quarry.

Colin Polland, 39, and 15-year-old Kevin O'Hare perished in the tragedy at the Glassdrumman Road site during hot weather.

The Scene at a disused quarry in County Down were Kevin O'Hare, 15, and 39-year-old Colin Polland both drowned  in 2013The Scene at a disused quarry in County Down were Kevin O'Hare, 15, and 39-year-old Colin Polland both drowned  in 2013
The Scene at a disused quarry in County Down were Kevin O'Hare, 15, and 39-year-old Colin Polland both drowned in 2013
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

DAERA point out that as the Easter holidays and summer period approaches, the likelihood of good weather brings additional risks.

Parents are asked to speak to their children about the dangers that they are unwittingly subjecting themselves to when they visit disused quarries.

Director of Regulatory and Natural Resources Policy at DAERA, Dave Foster, said: “I would appeal to parents and young people to be aware of the dangers of disused quarries and not to enter any body of water.

"Quarries are not a playground and quarry lakes in particular, pose the greatest risk. They are often much colder than rivers, lakes and reservoirs as they can be fed by water sources that originate deep underground.

The remote disused quarry in rural Co Down 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.The remote disused quarry in rural Co Down 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.
The remote disused quarry in rural Co Down 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.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"A sudden plunge into cold water initiates a gasp response, which can cause drowning within seconds.

“After four minutes in cold water, poor blood circulation causes stiff fingers, reduced coordination and loss of strength.

"Swimming to safety and pulling yourself out of the water, or even treading water to stay afloat, may no longer be possible.

"Quarry water really is a stone cold killer. The message is clear. Stay out. Stay alive.”

Related topics: