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09/07/2013
'Stay Away From Quarries', Minister Urges
Environment Minister Alex Attwood has warned the public to resist the urge to swim in disused quarries during hot weather.
The announcement follows a number of deaths and serious injuries at disused quarries.
In June, a man and a boy drowned in a disused quarry near Annalong in County Down.
A new summer campaign will see the introduction of signage at known dangerous quarries, posters and information via social media.
Alex Attwood said: "We all should be aware of the dangers of disused quarries. Several people have died in disused quarries in recent years. I have met or heard from some of the families and their pain and anxiety that more lives should not be lost, is vivid.
"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. This is the stark truth. We must all tell the message – Stay Out! Stay Safe!"
Minister Attwood continued: "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."
Quarry water can be polluted with industrial contaminants or can be very alkaline, both of which can cause skin irritations and other health complaints.
Disused quarries also pose a threat to motorcyclists and mountain bikers through collapse or subsidence or a landslide of a quarry face.
(IT/CD)
The announcement follows a number of deaths and serious injuries at disused quarries.
In June, a man and a boy drowned in a disused quarry near Annalong in County Down.
A new summer campaign will see the introduction of signage at known dangerous quarries, posters and information via social media.
Alex Attwood said: "We all should be aware of the dangers of disused quarries. Several people have died in disused quarries in recent years. I have met or heard from some of the families and their pain and anxiety that more lives should not be lost, is vivid.
"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. This is the stark truth. We must all tell the message – Stay Out! Stay Safe!"
Minister Attwood continued: "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."
Quarry water can be polluted with industrial contaminants or can be very alkaline, both of which can cause skin irritations and other health complaints.
Disused quarries also pose a threat to motorcyclists and mountain bikers through collapse or subsidence or a landslide of a quarry face.
(IT/CD)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
