Police dished out 25 fines after more than 400 swimmers descended on a flooded quarry during the heatwave. Fixed penalty notices were handed out to drivers who were blocking the road or obstructing traffic close to Jamestone Quarry in Haslingden on Monday.
Police have urged people not to swim in the water and say patrols have been stepped up. Firefighters have also been at the quarry today (Tuesday) diverting people away from the area and giving out water safety advice.
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It comes after two teenagers drowned in the North West while swimming in open water in the last fortnight. Kalen Waugh, 16, died after getting into difficulties at Salford Quays on Saturday, while Jamie Lewin, also 16, died at East Quarry in Appley Bridge, near Wigan, on July 9.
Sgt Craig Leech, Rossendale Neighbourhood Policing team said: "With the warmer weather brings a large number of people over to Haslingden, as they will have no doubt heard about the Jamestone Quarry we have here. However, as a result of that we see an increase in parking along Grane Road which not only is anti-social, but is a danger to other road users.
"The quarry is also privately owned land, which without expressed permission from the landowner is a trespassing risk. We know that people may not agree with us, but two teenagers have died in the North West in the last two weeks.
"So we can keep people safe, patrols will be increased in warmer weather and we will be taking action to try and stop another death from happening – even if it's an unpopular opinion – we ask residents and visitors to not take the risk. One dip in the water could cost you, or your child their life and it is not worth it."
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