Police warn people not to visit Pitstone Quarry near Tring

The quarry is on private land
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Hertfordshire Police is warning people not to visit Pitstone Quarry, near Tring, after receiving reports over the weekend of people attending the quarry and attempting to enter the water.

The quarry can be dangerous and poses plenty of risks to people who think it is safe to swim in, it is also on private land and contains no public right of way.

Unauthorised entry to the land may constitute a civil trespass, but more importantly is likely to present significant danger.

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Police

Swimming in quarry water is dangerous. Water temperatures can be 80 degrees at ankle-deep and then 40 degrees at just below the surface, which can shock a swimmer’s system and cause them to panic.

The sides can be steep and are a mixture of clay, soft silt and gravel, which can shift underfoot. Pits can run as deep as 60 feet.

In addition, they pose other dangers such as:

- Dead animals/excrement can cause disease

- Pollution/rubbish can cause eye and skin irritations, stomach problems, fungal infections and rashes

- Poisonous/toxic algae.

The location also makes it difficult for emergency services to access if someone needs assistance.

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Police said: "Our officers will continue to patrol the area where possible, but we would ask members of the public not to visit Pitstone Quarry but instead enjoy the sunny weather elsewhere – there are plenty of other lovely areas in Hertfordshire where you can enjoy this fine weather and socially distance, keeping yourselves and others safe."