SERIOUS safety warnings have been issued over Gullet Quarry, after swimmers flocked to the site during this week’s heatwave.

Police, firefighters, ambulance staff and other organisations are strongly urging people to stay out of the water amidst fears another tragedy could strike.

The beauty spot in the Malvern Hills, where two young men drowned in July 2013, poses a significant risk to members of the public according to the authorities.

Swimming in the water is illegal under the Malvern Hills Conservators’ byelaws and breaching these regulations can attract a fine of up to £500 and even lead to prosecution.

But agencies want people to stay away in the first place and are working hard to promote safety messages.

John Woodhall, water safety expert at West Midlands Ambulance Service, said: “Please stay out of open water.

“It may look enticing but it is deadly and it might kill you.”

He added that jumping into the freezing cold water can cause a physiological response, prompting people to gasp and potentially take in water and then cough or splutter.

This can mean people get into difficulty very quickly and may potentially drown.

Alan Haley, station commander at Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, echoed these safety warnings.

He said: "We would like to highlight the dangers of open water.

“People do not understand that even the strongest swimmers can find themselves in difficulty, as the cold water causes muscles to cramp.

“There is then a strong possibility that they cannot swim due to muscular cramps which can lead to drowning, whatever their age."

The Royal Life Saving Society UK has also warned that failing to follow safety guidelines could lead to a fatal accident.

Mike Dunn, acting director of volunteers and community education at the charity, said: “Listen to advice and act responsibly - don’t let a weekend of fun become a tragedy.”

Malvern Hills Conservators are similarly urging members of the public to abide by the regulations and stay out of the water while police are reminding people that anyone breaching the byelaws under the Malvern Hills Acts 1884 to 1995 could be “liable to prosecution where appropriate and proportionate”.