The mum of a teenage boy who died as a result of swimming in a dangerous quarry has pleaded with others to stay away.
Beckie Ramsey spoke about the death of son Dylan, who spent just 20 minutes in the water at Hill Top Quarry in Chorley before succumbing to the effects of cold water shock.
Aged just 13, Dylan had gone for a swim on a sunny day in 2011 but never came home.
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Beckie recalled his tragic story as a warning to teenagers and adults about the dangers at the quarry, which is on private property and regularly patrolled by police.
She said: “My son was 13-years-old when he chose to go swimming at a quarry and sadly he didn’t make it home.
“It was a day as beautiful as today and the cold water overcome his body and basically sent him into shock.
“He’d been in the water for a maximum of 20 minutes and was only underwater for three minutes.
“Please let Dylan’s story be a message to you. Please understand the risks and dangers associated with coming to beautiful places like this.
“They might be beautiful but they’re deadly.”
Chris Taylor, watch manager for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, warned of three dangers associated with this and other quarries.
He said: “Firstly, the water is colder than you could possibly imagine, even colder than the sea.
“Whether it's the middle or summer or the middle of winter, the water is just as cold. You will then suffer from cold water shock if you go in.
“This affects your muscles, your nerves and your brain power so you’re unable to help yourself or even to ask for help.
“Secondly there are hidden dangers below the water that you cannot see. They can hurt you and they can catch you and pull you under.
“Thirdly, should you come into distress in a quarry, the water is very dark. If you go down a foot or two, people will not see you.
“If they can’t see you, they can’t save you.”
Peter O’Dowd, director of the firm which owns the quarry, said that he hopes the water can be drained from the site as quickly as possible.
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