I AM writing to request your readers’ help in saving young peoples’ lives.

Tragically, there are circa 400 accidental drownings across the UK each year in open water such as; reservoirs, quarry lakes, rivers, canals and tidal waters. 

All too often, these tragedies occur when people are enjoying a leisure activity or are engaged in what they perceive as harmless fun.

Man-made water bodies like quarry lakes and reservoirs can be extremely deep, have sudden changes in water depth, be difficult to exit and conceal a range of hazards such as pumps, entangling weeds, rocks and old machinery. 

The water can also be extremely cold even on a hot summer’s day. 

At 15C and below, the body can experience cold water shock when immersed in water. 

This results in a sudden, involuntary inhalation of water into the lungs which can be deadly. 

The cold water can also cause even strong swimmers to tire quickly, become breathless and potentially disorientated.

The Mineral Products Association (MPA) is supporting the water safety campaigns being run by other organisations such as the RNLI, RLSS and the fire and rescue services. 

Collectively, we do not want to discourage members of the public from enjoying the water but would like people to be aware of the risks and choose to swim in areas that are safe.

To find out more, view the MPA campaign Facebook page - Stay Safe Stay Out of Quarries - or the RNLI website www.respectthewater.com and share this with others. 

Please also remember that warning signs and fences are there to help protect you and your family.

ELIZABETH CLEMENTS
Mineral Products Association
London