Stay away plea as visitors flock to Derbyshire’s dangerous blue lagoon
Emergency services are again warning people to stay away from Derbyshire's ‘blue lagoon’ after a surge of visitors during the recent hot weather.
Despite its vivid blue appearance, the water at the flooded Hoffman Quarry, at Harpur Hill in Buxton is highly alkaline and potentially harmful, with a pH level comparable to bleach. It also contains numerous hidden hazards beneath the surface.
Entering the water can result in skin irritation, eye damage, stomach problems, and other serious health effects, alongside an increased risk of injury or drowning.
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said the renewed warning comes amid growing concern about posts circulating widely on social media, which present the site as an attractive place to swim or visit, and follows the tragic deaths of seven young people in open water in the UK over the weekend.
Risk Reduction Manager Amy Cartledge said: “During the recent warm weather, we have seen large numbers of people travelling to the quarry, along with several incidents involving disposable barbecues. We want to be absolutely clear – this is not a safe place to visit.
“While it may look inviting, open water such as that at Hoffman Quarry, is extremely dangerous. Entering the water, or even going close to the edge, puts your life at serious risk.
“The water remains cold even in hot temperatures, meaning cold water shock can occur within seconds. This can cause you to gasp for breath, lose control of your breathing and become disorientated very quickly.
“In addition to the cold water, there are many hidden hazards beneath the surface, from old cars to animal carcasses, and the water itself is similar in PH value to bleach.
“Lighting barbecues or campfires in these areas also brings further risk, particularly in dry conditions, where they can easily start fires and put surrounding land, wildlife and people in danger.
“This quarry is not a place to swim and it is certainly not a tourist attraction. Please act responsibly, stay away from the area and out of the water.”
Fire crews from Buxton have visited Hoffman Quarry to provide safety advice and raise awareness of the dangers, while Derbyshire Constabulary has also carried out enforcement action in relation to dangerously parked vehicles in the area.
Similar activity is being carried out at other areas of open water, including nearby Waterswallows Quarry which also attracted large numbers of people over the weekend.