Pictures have emerged that show a load of day trippers bathing and enjoying the bank holiday sunshine at a Derbyshire site thought to be a local beauty spot, despite the fact that it is full of toxic waste.
During the good weather over the past long weekend, people started to turn up at Harpur Hill, a quarry near Buxton known locally as 'The Blue Lagoon'.
That's despite the fact that it has been described as 'probably the most dangerous water in the UK' by Derbyshire's chief constable.
Advert
Basically, the old quarry has enough horrible stuff in it to make it really dangerous to humans. In fact, the PH value of the man made lake makes it akin to taking a dip in 'a bath of bleach'.
That's before you get to the fact that there are also old cars, faeces and animal carcasses in the water.
Sounds like a lovely spot for a paddle, right?
Advert
Even so, people flocked in droves to visit the beauty spot. Well, it is beautiful, but under no circumstances should you swim there.
In fact, there are signs up all about the place saying that you shouldn't swim there, that should be enough.
One tripper, from Sheffield, told Derbyshire Live: "My family has been coming here for years so I thought it would be busy - but I didn't expect it to be this busy, to be fair.
"We've just come down with the kids for a picnic but I don't think we'll stop for long. I can't believe how busy it is.
Advert
"I'm amazed people are swimming. The signs make it obvious how dangerous it is."
The authorities have gone so far to try to deter swimmers that they've even been dyeing the waters with black dye for years to try to discourage people from heading in.
Earlier this year, author Lord Sumption called the practice 'disgraceful' and added: "This is what a police state is like, it is a state in which a government can issue orders or express preferences with no legal authority and the police will enforce ministers' wishes."
Advert
However, despite Sumption's concerns, you should really obey the advice and stay out of the water. It might be pretty to look at, but you're running a gauntlet with your own health if you fancy a swim there.
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service tweeted on Monday to say: "We're aware of people continuing to visit Harpur Hill quarry, known locally as the Blue Lagoon.
"Did you know it gets its blue colour from toxic deposits seeping from the quarry stone and is the same PH value as bleach!
"Would you swim there? #StayAway."
Advert
You'd be safer taking a trip to Barnard Castle or something.
Featured Image Credit: BPM Media