Beautiful blue lagoon dyed black as attraction is ‘not a safe place to visit’

What looks like a serene lake in the mountains of Switzerland is, in reality, a disused and treacherous quarry nestled in the heart of the Peak District.

Visitors have been drawn to the Blue Lagoon for years, enticed by its striking turquoise waters and the prospect of a swim amid spectacular white rock formations. Yet what many fail to appreciate is that not only is this strictly forbidden, but it also carries serious health risks.

Despite its alluring blue hue, the water at Harpur Hill, Buxton, is in fact highly alkaline with a pH level comparable to bleach, making it extraordinarily hazardous to swim in. Bathers are further cautioned that the deceptively tranquil water is contaminated with rubbish and dead animals.

Risk reduction manager at Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, Amy Cartledge, told the BBC that the recent spell of warm weather has prompted a significant influx of visitors to the quarry, warning that it is “not a safe place to visit.”

She added: “While it may look inviting, open water such as that at Hoffman Quarry, is extremely dangerous. Entering the water, or even going close to the edge, puts your life at serious risk. The water remains cold even in hot temperatures, meaning cold water shock can occur within seconds.

“This can cause you to gasp for breath, lose control of your breathing and become disorientated very quickly.”

To discourage people from swimming in the water, High Peak Borough Council took the decision to add toxic black dye to the water, transforming it into a darker, far less appealing hue. This measure was implemented regularly between 2017 and 2024 before being withdrawn from the annual plan.

However, following a surge in outdoor swimming this year, driven by the recent spell of warm weather, authorities have opted to reintroduce the dye.

Jon Pearce, Labour MP for High Peak, told the BBC: “In light of recent events and the renewed concerns from residents, the partnership has now reassessed the situation and is awaiting the manufacturing and delivery of the dye.”

While the location continues to attract visitors, regulations governing access to the quarry are becoming increasingly stringent. The water sits on private property, meaning swimming is prohibited, and the site is routinely monitored by police who actively remove trespassers from the area.

Throughout the bank holiday weekend, spanning May 22 to 25, the UK recorded several weather-related fatalities, with the Royal Life Saving Society noting that warmer conditions typically result in a rise in accidental drownings.

Across the Peak District, there are numerous other reservoirs, lakes and rivers where swimming is strongly inadvisable, even during the height of summer, as many UK rivers consistently fall short of bathing water standards.

Combined with the dangers posed by cold water temperatures and submerged hazards, this makes these locations exceptionally perilous for visitors.

While the blackened lagoon may no longer present an appealing spectacle, dyeing it once more should hopefully serve to deter swimmers and those tempted to take a brief dip.