'Extremely dangerous' risks at popular Offaly lakes revealed
Local lakes at Lough Boora have been labelled as “extremely dangerous” with the public reminded that swimming or bathing is not permitted there.
Lough Boora Discovery Park reminded people via social media that swimming or bathing or any other water activities are not permitted in Finnamore or any of Lough Boora’s lakes.
“While the open water may look very inviting over this fine spell of weather, these lakes are extremely dangerous and not suitable for swimming,” the post outlined.
The water there is stained dark brown or black by dissolved organic carbon and peat sediments, it was stressed.
“This completely hides underwater hazards like sharp tree roots, submerged logs, and sudden, extreme drop-offs, floating bogs and vegetation mats,” the post outlined.
The lakes also have a suction effect. “The bottom of a bog lake consists of deep, soft, decaying plant material. Standing up can cause you to sink rapidly into the silt, acting like quicksand and pinning your legs,” Lough Boora Discovery Park warned.
There is also a risk of extreme cold shock as peat water absorbs heat poorly.
“While the top few inches might feel warm, the water deeper down remains intensely cold, triggering sudden cold shock, muscle failure, and hypothermia,” the post outlined.
The risk of entanglement was also highlighted.
“Thick underwater reeds and sub-surface bog plants easily tangle around a swimmer's legs, increasing panicking and drowning risks,” the warning added.
The lakes also have waterborne Irritants.
“Stagnant or low-lying bog pools can harbor parasites that cause swimmer’s itch (cercarial dermatitis) or harmful blue-green algae blooms during warm weather,” Lough Boora Discovery Park added.
It also warned that under currents and spings are a “major factor that will cause difficulties”.
Many people commented on the post that children and young people can be seen swimming in the water there.
“People will never learn or listen,” one person remarked.