Following a number of deaths in disused quarries in Northern Ireland in the past number of years the Department of the Environment, led by the Environment Minister, asked district councils to investigate the number of disused quarries within their districts, assess their high risk features and consider what could be done to prevent further fatalities.

Following a comprehensive review of all aspects of disused quarries and the options available, an educational awareness campaign aimed at teenagers and young adults was considered to be the most appropriate way of highlighting the serious risks involved in swimming in disused quarries and open water and influencing behavioural change.

The Quarry Products Association NI has worked for a number of months with the Departments of Environment and Justice and the Policing and Community Safety Partnerships (PCSPs) to put together an educational awareness campaign. The campaign, “Quarry water is a stone-cold killer. Stay out, stay alive” warns of the dangers of swimming in disused quarries and open water.

The residential was for three days to allow the Year11 Geography pupils to complete their fieldwork for Controlled Assessment. This is 25% of their final GCSE grade. Both Mrs McAleece and Mrs Turkington's classes went and were accompanied by Mr Charles and Mr Bryson. The weather was great and the kids worked really hard.

To view a slection of photographs click the link below