QUARRY WATER IS A STONE COLD KILLER

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 team has designed a poster and informative leaflet that can be placed in schools, leisure centres, community centres and youth groups. This material will also be circulated on a number of social media sites, including Facebook and on websites, including NI Direct http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/staying-safe-around-quarries

The leaflet, which has been specifically designed for social media channels, highlights how cold shock sets in after an initial plunge into cold water. It refers to the difficulties that an individual will have getting out of water as their fingers stiffen, coordination reduces and muscles weaken as the cold takes hold. If these reduced physical capabilities don’t result in drowning, one is at risk of hypothermia.

 

The leaflet also refers to the other risks of swimming in disused quarries and open water. These risks include:

•           Hidden currents or submerged plants which can drag you under;

•           Submerged abandoned machinery/cars which you can impale yourself on if jumping in;

•           Underwater ledges or recesses where you can become trapped; and

•           Pollution/rubbish which can cause eye and skin irritations, stomach problems, fungal infections and reaches.

The campaign also involves the PCSPs visiting schools and youth and community groups to deliver an interactive presentation warning them of the dangers of trespassing in disused quarries and highlighting the serious dangers of swimming in cold water.

 

The PCSPs have strong links with schools and experience of delivering other important messages to teenagers and young adults within their areas. The PCSPs will roll out the campaign across Northern Ireland.