Emergency services warn people not to visit popular beauty spot's 'dangerous' water
Not only can it be harmful to the skin, there are hidden dangers in the water
by Laura Hartley, Ben ReidEmergency services are giving people a strong warning to not to go near water at a popular beauty spot after reports of people visiting there on a daily basis.
The dangerous waters at Buxton's Blue Lagoon, in Harpur Hill, have a PH level close to bleach, which can give people severe skin irritation.
Fire crews are joining Derbyshire police in warning people to stay away despite the hot weather, Derbyshire Live reports.
Not only can it be harmful to the skin, there are hidden dangers in the water, with cars and animal carcasses at the bottom of the Harpur Hill lagoon.
People have been reported to be putting their lives at risk on a daily basis at the flooded quarry.
Group Manager for Derbyshire Fire and Rescue, Paul Hawker said: “In an effort to deter people from entering the water local agencies work together to dye the usual blue waters black, but due to the deposits that seep from the stone, the water soon returns to its blue colour.
“Not only is the PH Value of the quarry water similar to bleach, meaning you are highly likely to experience skin irritation from swimming in the water, but there are many hidden dangers that can quickly lead to even the strongest swimmer getting caught and into difficulty.
"Old cars and the carcasses of animals are just some of the things lurking in the depths of the cold water."
Get our top stories sent to you every day
Want us to send you a daily round-up of our biggest stories, and breaking news alerts, direct to your email inbox?
Sign up to our newsletter here.
'Body can go into shock'
Paul added: “In addition to the hazards, no matter how hot the weather is, the quarry water will remain cold, meaning if you enter the water, your body can quickly go into shock causing your heart rate to quicken, you start to gasp for breath and you can quickly become confused and disorientated.
“By swimming, or even playing in, or close to the water, you are putting your own life, and that of the emergency services that would be called to help you, into danger too.
"Please act responsibly, stay away from the area – keep out of the water”