The PSNI has issued a stark reminder how dangerous it is to swim in quarries.
[caption id="attachment_39602" align="alignleft" width="390"]
Beware swimming in quarries: The scene at Paul’s Lake near Annalong at the side of the Mournes where two people tragically drowned two years ago. The water may look inviting, but it can prove deadly.[/caption]Quarry water is much colder than rivers, lakes or the sea… you could die from ‘Cold Shock’ in less than two minutes once immersed. Cold shock can cause you to gasp and drown immediately or can lead to hypothermia, making it very hard to breath.
A police spokesman said: “Assuming you survive the cold shock, the drop in temperature causes finger stiffness making it difficult to climb out, reduced coordination making it difficult to swim or tread water, and creates general muscle weakness.
“It is impossible to help yourself. If cold shock and the reduced physical capabilities don’t result in drowning, hypothermia may kill you.
“Quarries are dangerous in a number of ways
* xa0Deep water may contain hidden currents or submerged plants which can drag you under.
* xa0Submerged abandoned machinery/car wrecks which you can impale yourself on if jumping in.
* xa0Underwater ledges/recesses where you can become trapped.
* xa0Dead animals/excrement cause disease.
* xa0Pollution/rubbish causing eye and skin irritations, stomach problems, fungal infections and rashes.
* xa0Poisonous/toxic algae.”
The campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of swimming in dusused quarries is supported by the Department of the Environment, Department of Justice, Policing and Community Safety Partnerships and Quarry Products Association of Northern Ireland.
Archive article:
http://www.downnews.co.uk/two-die-in-drowning-tragedy-at-annalong-quarry/
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