HOLIDAYING youngsters should stay away from Malvern's quarries and other water dangers to prevent more tragedies in the region.

The Royal Life Saving Society is hoping the public will play safe over the Easter holidays and, with the warm temperatures, will not be tempted to play in dangerous water areas.

The disused quarries on the scenic hills have been used as a playground for teenagers and other visitors, but are notoriously perilous.

Fifty-five year-old Nicholas Kenneth was found dead in Earnslaw Quarry, near Malvern Wells, in March and 17-year-old Andrew Pedlingham drowned in Gullet Quarry in September last year.

"Quarries are often steep-sided and very deep," said Di Standley, chief executive of the Midlands-based charity.

"This means that, firstly, it is easy to fall into a quarry and difficult to get out, and secondly, below the warm surface the water can be very cold.

"The distress of extreme temperatures can cause cold shock, which in turn can cause heart attacks, strokes and death.

Heart attack

"An incidence of a summer heart attack caused by cold shock in a quarry has been recorded in youngsters as young as 12."

The charity is reminding the public that drownings increase dramatically when there is a warm bank holiday.

As well as warning about quarries, it says people should be careful on mud flats - Worcester schoolgirl Lelaina Hall drowned after being stuck on a mud flat in Somerset last year.

Also, city teenager Nathan Spiers drowned at a fishing pool in Lower Broadheath in July last year.

"At Easter, people tend to paddle at the edge of open water, such as rivers, lakes and the sea and many of us go for waterside walks," said Ms Standley.

"I wouldn't discourage this, these activities are fun and should be enjoyed. I would just ask people to remember their common sense, be aware of the dangers that water represents, and to keep a good eye on their children.

"The overall message is to think before you act, and enjoy your Easter break."