Warning issued over youngsters swimming in Haslingden quarry (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Warning issued over youngsters swimming in Haslingden quarry

1:18pm Wednesday 8th July 2009 in

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A STARK warning has been issued to youngsters about the dangers of swimming in a water-filled quarry.

Residents living along the Grane Road, Haslingden, and local councillors are concerned about young people using Jameston Quarry, behind the Ogden Reservoir, as a swimming pool.

The concerns came after a 17-year-old boy drowned in Widdop reservoir, which is between Pendle and Hebden Bridge, last week.

Coun Granville Morris, who lives on the Grane Road, said: “I am no out to be a killjoy but I do not think the young people swimming in the quarry know how deep it actually is.

“There may be wires or sharp obstacles at the bottom which could be a massive risk.

“The summer holiday is coming and the older people may well attract younger brothers and sisters who might follow them.

“We do not want to see rescues taking place or even worse, bodies retrieved.”

The land is owned by United Utilities which also manages the two reservoirs next to the reservoir.

A spokesperson from United Utilities said: “Our reservoirs may look inviting but don’t be fooled, they can be dangerous places and a swim or trip can soon become fatal.

“The temperatures in reservoirs rarely get above 10°C, even in summer.

“This is cold enough to take your breath away, which is the body’s natural reaction, and can lead to panic and drowning.

“Cold can also make your arms and legs numb which means you can’t control them and can’t swim which can lead to hypothermia and cause heart failure.”

More than 200 people drown each year bathing in rivers and lakes.

For more on safety, visit the website below.