NEW safety warnings have been issued days after a flooded Malvern quarry claimed its fourth life.

Russell O’Neill died on Saturday afternoon after failing to resurface while swimming in Gullett Quarry, in the Malvern Hills.

The popular 17-year-old from Ronkswood, Worcester – a promising footballer – was enjoying Saturday’s scorching temperatures when the accident happened.

It is not the first time Gullet Quarry has claimed the life of a teenager.

The disused quarries on the scenic hills have been used as a playground for teenagers and visitors but there is danger in the deeps.

Russell is the fourth person to die at the quarry in the past two decades - three of the victims were aged 17.

Emergency services pleaded with people wanting to enjoy the summer sun not to let it cloud their judgement after the events of the weekend.

Station Commander Alan Haley, from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS), said: “We would like to highlight the dangers of open water and encourage people, whatever their age, to take extra care.”

David Walker, leisure safety manager at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, said: “Things to consider when inland water swimming are that even on a hot day, the water might be a lot colder or deeper than you were expecting, and there may be underwater debris that you cannot see from the bank.”

Meanwhile, a minute’s silence will be held next week in memory of Russell by the Worcester City Football Academy, which is run in conjunction with Worcester College of Technology, where he played. 

Players and fans will fall silent before the team’s friendly against Archdales ‘73 at Claines Lane on Tuesday, July 16 (kick-off 6.30pm).

Mark Owen, academy manager, said: “He was a fantastic, hard-working lad and he will be sadly missed.

"All the players are feeling it at the moment, it’s a difficult time, and our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

A spokesman from the Worcester College of Technology, where Russell was working towards a Level 2 Diploma in Sports in the Football Academy, said: “We are deeply saddened and shocked by the news of Russell’s tragic death.

"He was a talented footballer, hard working and popular among fellow students.

"Our thoughts are with the family at this most difficult time.”

His former headteacher Sean Devlin said: “It is absolutely tragic what has happened.

"He was with us for five years and was an excellent student, very positive and enjoyed school, lessons and sport. Everyone liked him. He was a good student."

Signs warn of deaths at scenic quarry

GULLET Quarry is believed to be around five metres deep and was last used as a working quarry in 1977. 

The spring-fed lake is often visited by members of the public and is used by divers.

Owned by the Malvern Hills Conservators, the quarry bears a warning sign saying ‘It is dangerous to swim here’ and another old sign from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service states, ‘There have been three fatalities from downing in the last six years and multiple serious injuries from swimming in these waters’.

One of the major problems facing swimmers is the cold water springs, which constantly feed the lake meaning it is at a low temperature even when the weather is very hot.

There are many myths about what lies beneath the surface of the quarry and many people believe there is old machinery and debris buried metres down.

It has also been said a large crane rests at the bottom of the water but divers have reported no trace of this.

Stephen Bound, director of the organisation, said: “Our condolences go out to the family and friends of this young man.

“We have signs around the lake warning people that it is dangerous to swim, which have been installed and maintained in collaboration with the fire brigade.

“The water in the lake is very cold and it is this more than anything else that makes it dangerous to swim in.

“It’s a very difficult situation. We can warn people, but when you have 100 or 200 people there on a hot day, it’s not something you can police in practical terms.

“Our warden was there on Sunday, the day after this tragedy, telling people what had happened and 10 minutes later they were in the water.”

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