Skerries Coast Guard is warning the public of the dangers of swimming in disused quarries. The key trend arising from accidents in recent years is that swimming is by far and away the predominant cause of fatalities in disused quarries in Ireland, with young men in their teens and early twenties accounting for the largest proportion of casualties. From examining these past accidents, swimmers appear to get into difficulty very, very quickly and disappear under the water’s surface in seconds. Often, far too quick for their nearby friends to react and save them.

As the summer gets underway and the warm weather arrives, Skerries Coast Guard is warning the public not to swim or dive in flooded disused quarries. In particular we are appealing to parents to be vigilant and warn their children of the dangers of visiting disused quarries. In the Fingal area there are several large disused quarries which can become flooded from time to time, with water depths in excess of 50 feet reported in some cases. There have been numerous reports of young people swimming in these quarry lakes, particularly when very warm weather arrives.

Recent tragedies around the country have once again highlighted the serious dangers posed by swimming in flooded quarries.  

The Coast Guard’s message is clear; never swim in quarry lakes. If you want to cool down in the open water over the summer, head to a beach which has lifeguards on duty.

Hidden dangers

It is understandable that a flooded quarry may look very appealing to young people, particularly in times of very hot weather. But beneath the calm and tranquil water surface, lurks a long list of possible deadly hazards.  Hazards that would overcome even the strongest and most competent swimmers. This can include abandoned mining machinery and cables, often only a few feet beneath the water surface. The branches from recently submerged vegetation, including trees and shrubs, can also easily entangle a swimmer. The steep margins surrounding a quarry lake make climbing out of the water very difficult, that’s even without factors such as injury, cold shock or exhaustion playing their part.

Quarry owners in Fingal area have taken appropriate and reasonable measures to try to prevent unauthorised access including in some cases the erection of secure perimeter fencing, warning notices and monitored cctv cameras. However, there have been reports of these obvious deterrents being willfully ignored by people still attempting to swim in those areas.

Skerries Coast Guard’s familiarisation training

On a regular basis, Skerries Coast Guard engage in familiarization training exercises in quarries in the Fingal area. Unfortunately for the emergency services, attempting a rescue in a quarry environment would prove very difficult due to the harsh, inaccessible terrain and litany of hazards presented. Understandably, the Coast Guard would much rather focus their efforts in preventing an accident occurring.

This warning is also featured in this week’s Fingal Independent.

Skerries Coast Guard – a voluntary rescue unit of the Irish Coast Guard

Remember – if you spot someone in difficulty on the coast or cliffs, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the COAST GUARD. Your call could save their life.