Young people are being urged to stay out of the Rhoose Point Quarry following a number ‘tombstoning’ incidents over the summer, despite new local by-laws which prohibit swimming in the man-made lagoon.
‘Tombstoning’, the practice of jumping into water from height, is particularly dangerous in quarries and former quarries. Rusty underwater obstacles and freezing cold temperatures contribute to drownings at these holes across the UK.
It is feared that it ‘may only be a matter of time’ before a fatality results from the practice of jumping into Rhoose’s quarry pool from the surrounding cliffs.
Vale MP Alun Cairns and Rhoose Councillor Jeff James have joined forces with the Mineral Products Association to spread the message of their Stay Safe, Stay Out of Quarries campaign.
The local representatives have sent official Stay Safe leaflets aimed at various age groups to local schools, sports clubs and pubs in an attempt to spread the warning.
Vale MP Alun Cairns said, “The new by-laws are great news for Rhoose Point, tackling anti-social behaviour and problem parking caused by inappropriate activities at the quarry.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that they have made also some progress towards reducing jumping and swimming in the lagoon.
“One swimmer in the Rhoose quarry lagoon however, is one too many.
“The Stay Safe campaign is about spreading the message that swimming in quarries is more dangerous than is often realised. They are colder and deeper than you might think.
“Even on a hot summer’s day, quarry water is deceptively cold and can kill a swimmer through shock alone in less than two minutes.”
Coun Jeff James added, “I would urge everyone to refrain from swimming in the quarry and to explain the dangers to children and young people.
“There are fantastic places to swim throughout the Vale – don’t take a risk with your life on Rhoose Point.”