Meet Charlie Crow
He’s a crow that lives near a huge quarry and is always telling people why they are such dangerous places to play.
Watch this video about the underwater dangers of quarry lakes…
After that you should know a bit more about the dangers that might lie under the water.
So I know quarries are dangerous because of falling rocks, steep cliffs and quicksand – but how is swimming in water dangerous?
The water in quarries is not like the water in your local swimming pool.
At a swimming pool there’s plenty of people and a life guard around to help you out if you get into trouble – in a quarry there’s no one to help you.
Swimming pools are also made to swim in, that means that the temperature is nice and it’s cleaned regularly – there’s no one checking the temperature of a quarry lake and cleaning it.
This means that the lakes can be super cold!
If the water’s too cold then your muscles can cramp up making it impossible to swim.
The lakes are usually also a lot deeper than they look which means that you can be out of your depth in no time.
Quarry lakes also often have old machinery in them which can really hurt you or weeds that you can get caught in and trap you!
And if that’s not enough then sometimes the water in quarries gets sucked up by huge pumps that can suck you under the water.
Are there any other dangerous waters to watch out for?
Well you shouldn’t be swimming in lakes or rivers unless you’re with an adult that says it’s safe.
Rivers can have strong currents that you can’t always fight (just like the pumps in quarry lakes).
Lakes and rivers can also have old junk under the water like old bikes and cars that can hurt you or trap you.
Where can I swim?
If you want to swim then ask an adult where the nearest safe place is to swim – your local swimming pool is usually your best bet!
Your mission is to complete this quiz…
Why is swimming in a quarry lake more dangerous than swimming in a swimming pool?
- There is no lifeguard to help you
- The water is always warm
- There are too many people
- The pool is cleaned every day
What can happen to your muscles if the water is very cold?
- They can cramp up
- They become stronger
- They turn to ice
- They grow bigger
Why can quarry lakes be dangerous even if they look shallow?
- They are often much deeper than they look
- They are only a few centimetres deep
- They are filled with sand
- They have a lifeguard on duty
What might be hidden under the water in a quarry lake?
- Old machinery and weeds
- Friendly fish
- A swimming pool ladder
- A lifeguard tower
What can huge pumps in quarry lakes do?
- Suck you under the water
- Make the water warm
- Clean the water
- Create waves for surfing
When is it safe to swim in a river or lake?
- Only with an adult who says it is safe
- Whenever you want
- If you are a strong swimmer
- If the water looks calm
What can make rivers dangerous for swimming?
- Strong currents
- Warm water
- Lifeguards
- Shallow edges
Why is the water in a quarry lake not cleaned regularly?
- No one checks or cleans it
- It is cleaned every day
- It is a swimming pool
- It is filled with soap
What should you do if you see someone in trouble in the water?
- Shout for help and tell an adult
- Jump in to save them
- Ignore them
- Take a photo
What is the best way to stay safe around quarry lakes?
- Stay out of the water
- Swim alone
- Dive in headfirst
- Swim at night
