Swimmers urged to stay away from Gwynedd quarry after warning they’re putting emergency services at risk
Members of the public are being urged not to put themselves and others at unnecessary risk by breaking into a Gwynedd quarry site.
It follows reports of both adults and children swimming at the Glyn Rhonwy quarry lake in Llanberis.
As warm weather approaches, people are reminded not to go swimming and climbing nor to enter the former bomb storage facility at the site on Lon Clegir.
Gwynedd Council said the need to repair any damage caused to safety fences could put council staff in danger of catching or spreading the coronavirus.
Police have also warned it could put a strain on emergency services if someone injures themself.
Members of the Bangor and Bethesda policing team said: “It is clearly signposted that there is no public access allowed to this council owned land.
“The area is prone to rock falls and landslides and anyone gaining illegal access to the site it putting themselves and our busy emergency services at unjustifiable risk.
“Officers are patrolling the area regularly. Anyone found within the site may be prosecuted.”
Gwynedd Council’s Economy Cabinet Member, Councillor Gareth Thomas said: “The former industrial site at Glyn Rhonwy is closed off for a reason.
“Anyone who ignores the numerous signs placed on the perimeter fencing is putting themselves in unnecessary danger.
“The quarry pools that have been used for swimming by trespassers contain a number of potential hazards which could cause serious injury or worse, including under-water debris and jagged slate shards.
“It should also be remembered that the water temperature in these pools is usually dangerously cold even during prolonged periods of warm weather.
“We have in the past reported this matter to North Wales Police and we would urge anyone who witnesses people trespassing on the site to contact them immediately by phoning 101 or phoning 999 if someone is in danger.
“Our message to the public is simple – please keep out of this dangerous site.
“We are also appealing to parents to ensure that their children are aware of the dangers of trespassing on old industrial sites and to avoid swimming in any pools or lakes which may contain hidden dangers such as underwater currents or sudden deep water.”
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