Minister warns of danger at quarries

The campaign, launched by the Environment Minister Alex Attwood, warns people of the dangers of swimming in disused quarries.

Just three weeks ago, the PSNI issued a warning after children were seen at the Lurgan Road quarry

“There have been a number of deaths and serious injuries at disused quarries. The summer campaign will see new signage at known dangerous quarries, posters, social media and a big push to raise understanding of the scale of the threat and danger,” said the Minister.

“Disused quarries are not playgrounds. Most people do not realise how very cold quarry water can be. It can be much colder than rivers and the sea and this causes swimmers, even the best swimmers, to cramp, go into shock and drown quickly.

“Quarries pose other hidden dangers. Old machinery can be left in the quarry and become submerged by rainwater over time. Such machinery may not be visible and can cause serious injury or death to anyone who jumps onto it.”