It's just a cliff that is deteriorating,'' said Huntley. A family outing in Preble County ended tragically June 6 when a father, his two young daughters and a friend drowned in the neighborhood fishing hole. Apparently, they were no match for the strong currents that flowed from Seven-Mile Creek into the old gravel pit, brought on by heavy rains. It's a scenario that plays itself out all too often in communities across the country. These people often pay a steep price for their fun.
Old quarries can be death traps, plain and simple.
When companies shut down mines, they often leave behind old pieces of mining equipment that are undetectable from the water's surface. The unsuspecting diver may encounter icy temperatures upon hitting the water, which can lead to cramping and disorientation. Cliffs are generally steep, slippery and unstable. And the conditions swimmers will encounter in the water often are unknown. Parents, you wouldn't let your youngsters play with household chemicals or go biking on the interstate.