A trade association is warning of the deadly risks posed man-made quarry lakes and reservoirs in Kent.

Across the county, there are more than 25 active and many more restored quarries, many with lakes, silt ponds and other bodies of water.

Many of these, like Tarmac’s sand and gravel quarry in Bat & Ball Road, Sevenoaks, pose a danger due to extreme depths, extremely cold temperatures and underwater hazards such as pumps, currents, entangling weeds and old machinery.

Elizabeth Clements of the Mineral Products Association (MPA) said “People do not understand how deep and cold the water in a quarry lake is or appreciate how water temperature affects even the strongest swimmers.

"‘Cold Water Shock’ can make you take an involuntary breath and inhale water, your muscles will tire or cramp much sooner than in a swimming pool. I dread the thought of anyone losing their life in a quarry because they did not understand the risks.”

Other notable quarry sites include Leybourne Lakes, Aylesford Quarry and Bewl Reservoir in Tunbridge Wells.

Each year there roughly 400 deaths from drowning. For more information and safety advice visit the Stay Safe Stay Out of Quarries page here.