Hard Hitting Message on Quarry Safety Delivered in Local Schools

July 3, 2015

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council along with the local police, have delivered a presentation at school assemblies before the summer recess, to highlight to young people the dangers associated with swimming in quarries/reservoirs/lakes and the life-threatening effect of cold water on the body. 

This is part of a Northern Ireland wide campaign, launched by the DOE, DOJ and QPA to prevent injury and fatality as we approach the holiday season.  At this time of the year, the council is very conscious of the temptations of swimming and socialising around quarries, particularly by young people. In recent years there have been eight deaths in Northern Ireland associated with this activity.

A range of year groups from Friends’ School, Lisnagarvey and Forthill College received the presentation which outlined the key dangers associated with frequenting quarries.  These included the weather conditions, the remoteness of the quarries and the opportunity to drink alcohol and gather with friends.  The message is clear, STAY OUT AND STAY ALIVE.

The newly appointed Chairman (designate) of the Lisburn & Castlereagh Policing and Community Safety Partnership, Councillor Scott Carson said, “This is an important and timely reminder of the dangers of frequenting quarries, reservoirs and lakes. Lisburn and Castlereagh have some of the best leisure facilities on offer and I would strongly recommend that these are the safest and most enjoyable methods to enjoy a swim with friends not only during the summer months but throughout the entire year.”

If you are interested in finding out more about quarry safety you should make contact with the PCSP on 028 9250 9284 or pcsp@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk