WITH warm weather on the horizon, a warning has yet again gone out about the dangers of swimming in quarry pools.

The warning, from North Wales Police, comes following concerns raised by officers who have been made aware of recent incidents in quarry pools across the region with people trespassing and jumping off cliffs into the water.

Sergeant Beth Jones, from the Community Safety Department, said: “Sadly over recent years there have been tragedies in the region whereby people have gotten into difficulty after entering quarry pools.

“With warm weather expected over the next few days we have concerns that locals may take the opportunity to go swimming in nearby quarry pools.

“Although it can be very tempting to jump into the nearest pool or lake to cool down on a hot day, or to swim in the water at disused quarries, the water depths are huge – up to 60 metres – and it can be very difficult to get out due to the steep faces.

“The water is also extremely cold and the hidden dangers are immense which can quickly lead to something altogether more serious.

“As well as the dangers associated with swimming at unsupervised and often remote places, jumping from the rocks also puts people in danger. Swimming at disused quarries is a very dangerous practice and I would appeal to anyone to please stay away.”

Members of the public are also being reminded that quarries are private properties and anybody found swimming or on the rocks would be trespassing.

An incident in Llanarmon Yn Iâl, Denbighshire, saw landowners pursuing civil claims of trespass.

Sergeant Jones added: “Although the water looks inviting the temperature is freezing. Quarry pools also contain hidden hazards such as debris, weeds and reeds that you may not be able to see from the surface.

“The water can also be very deep and swimmers can easily find themselves out of their depth. If you are thinking about going swimming in such places please think again, consider the dangers and don’t trespass. You pose a serious danger to yourself and others who potentially may have to come to your assistance.

“We’re also urging parents and carers to educate their children about the dangers of trespassing and to avoid swimming in any pools or lakes and to also be aware of where their children are and what they are doing this summer.

“The fences and warning signs surrounding the quarries are there for a reason – please respect them.”

Anybody who witnesses people swimming in quarry pools is urged to contact North Wales Police immediately on 999.