POLICE are warning people of the perils of swimming in deadly Gullet Quarry three years after two men died swimming in the lake just a week apart.

Now warmer weather has arrived, officers from Malvern Hills Safer Neighbourhood Team are providing safety advice on the dangers of swimming in open water, particularly the quarry in the Malvern Hills.

There are a number of dangers associated with swimming in open water, including risks of submerged rocks and cold water shock.

Gullet Quarry, off Castlemorton Common, has long been a popular beauty spot but the water of the lake itself remains cold and swimmers can easily get into trouble.

Justas Juzenas, aged 22, of Ross-on-Wye, and Russell O’Neill, aged 17, of Worcester, died there in July, 2013 after getting into trouble in the lake. Their deaths happened within a week of each other.

Cold water shock affects a person's ability to swim and reach safety if experiencing difficulties. It is a common problem in the UK where water temperatures do not rise significantly throughout the year, and can have severe affects on your body in as little as three minutes.

Immersion in cold water leads to rapid cooling of the skin, gasping, hyperventilation and the restriction of blood flow.

This in turn can lead to panic as muscle strength decreases due to lack of blood flow, causing fatigue and reduced control over body movements, causing potentially life threatening difficulties to even the strongest swimmers.

Other risks include cold water temperatures, hidden currents, unseen objects such as rubbish, broken glass or hazardous materials, unknown water quality and difficulty in gauging water depth.

West Mercia Police is working with partners such as the Malvern Hills Conservators to educate people on the risks and help keep the local community safe from harm.

Malvern Hills Conservators (MHC) commissioned the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) to produce a report on safety at the quarry following the deaths of the two young men in 2013.

A number of physical safety measures were recommended and implemented, such as fencing and new signage in the area.

MHC wardens will also be making additional patrols during hot summer days to advise people of the dangers from swimming in cold water, and have sent letters to local schools to raise young people's awareness that swimming in Gullet Quarry is not safe.

Inspector Deborah Sanders of West Mercia Police said: "We are dedicated to protecting the local community from the risks involved with swimming in open water.

"We will continue to educate people about the risks of cold water shock and that swimming in Gullet Quarry is not safe and can put them and others in serious danger.

"I would also like to remind people that swimming in the quarry is prohibited under section 38 of the Malvern Hills Conservators Byelaws and can lead to prosecution and a fine of up to £500."