Poots Says Quarries Can Be Stone-Cold Killers If You Swim In Them.
Quarry water is a stone cold killer: stay out – stay alive
DAERA Minister Edwin Poots has relaunched his Department’s Stone Cold Killer campaign and issued a warning to the general public about the dangers of swimming in disused quarries.
The move comes after a series of reports about individuals swimming in local quarries which are known to have taken the lives of a number of young people.
Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Edwin Poots MLA said: “It is desperately sad to hear of the tragic loss of young people in these dangerous quarries and I want to prevent further avoidable loss of life.
“As the weather improves, and with schools and some leisure facilities largely remaining closed, I am concerned there is an increased risk of deaths in disused quarries this year.
“For this reason I am asking parents to talk to their children about where they are going, and warn them of the dangers associated with visiting such sites.
“I too, am a parent and appreciate the difficulties that many families across Northern Ireland are experiencing at the present time, but I urge you all to raise this issue with your children and teenagers.
“Quarries are not playgrounds. Quarry lakes in particular pose considerable risk as they are often much colder than rivers, lakes and reservoirs as they can be fed by water sources that originate deep underground. A sudden plunge into cold water initiates a gasp response, which can cause drowning within seconds.
“Quarry water really is a stone cold killer. My message is clear. Stay out. Stay alive.”
Beware swimming in disused quarries says Jim Shannon MP.
Jim Shannon MP for Strangford has called for the general public to be particularly cautious in swimming disused quarries in this wonderful warm weather.
He said: “There have been accidental drownings in quarries across the Ards and North Down Borough Council over the last few years and it is vital that everyone take care to ensure that it does not happen.
“Although warm and inviting, the waters of the disused quarries are extremely cold and can also be quite hazardous with unknown and unseen hidden dangers. The depth of the water can be deceiving and this is where most of the issues lie.
“Enjoy the sunshine but be careful and only swim in clearly designated swimming spots – it simply isn’t worth the risk! It could be fatal.”
Past Article On Dangerous Quarries:
