Warning to Leighton Buzzard families to stay out of quarry water as the weather starts to heat up
A stark warning has been issued to families across Leighton Buzzard: stay out of quarry water.
With the weather warming up, Grovebury Quarry is highlighting the life-threatening dangers of entering its 12-metre-deep lake, working with MP Alex Mayer to prevent avoidable deaths.
It comes after 50 local youngsters tried to get into the lake last summer by climbing over and cutting through wire fences.
Quarry water is far colder than rivers or lakes, as it comes from deep underground, Ms Mayer heard from Manager Callum Bates during her visit to the specialist sands site.
Even in warmer months, temperatures are often below 15°C, which is enough to trigger cold water shock, causing gasping, cramp and loss of movement.
There are also hidden hazards beneath the surface of Grovebury Quarry Lake, including submerged machinery and unstable silt. This can trap swimmers without warning.
75% of fatal drownings in the UK occur at inland water sites,
Ms Mayer is urging families to take the risk seriously and to speak to young people about the dangers.
Alex Mayer MP said: "The lake at Grovebury Quarry looks very inviting on a bright and sunny day but it can be a killer. It's a work site, full of hidden hazards. It's cold and dangerous. People can get into serious difficulty within seconds. Please don’t take the risk. Let the fish, swans and ducks enjoy the water but people should stay safe and stay out.”
Grovebury Quarry Manager Calum Bates added: “The fencing and warning signs are there for a reason — to keep people safe. We’ve seen a number of recent attempts to access the site, and we’d urge everyone, especially young people, to respect the barriers and stay away from both the quarry and the water.”