As swimmers head to the Redgranite quarry this summer, new measures aim to keep them safe in the dangerous waters.
Catherine Deringer lost her son Jake ten years ago when he drowned in the quarry while swimming with friends.
"It's frustrating to know that people are still, after everything that's happened here, making bad choices," she said.
However, Deringer, along with others in the community, have plans for this summer to educate quarry-goers and raise money to help with safety there.
"Be aware of the risks that they're swimming in a body of water that's so deep and so cold," Deringer said.
In about a week and a half, new signs will go up detailing the risks of swimming in the quarry in an effort to help swimmers make better decisions. Also, there are higher fines for violations this summer, and law enforcement will be checking coolers for alcohol.
"We've had signs other places that people didn't pay any attention to," said Redgranite Village President Jerry Sieg. "This way, you can't hardly miss them."
After her son's death, Deringer started the non-profit Jakefest. This year, their outdoor music festival fundraiser, called Jakefest, will be in August. All proceeds will go to the Redgranite Fire Department and the Village of Redgranite to help with safety improvements at the quarry.
In addition, Chris Wedell, Wautoma Fire Chief and Commander of the Wautoma Area Dive Team, will offer public education on the history of the quarry, as well as providing tips on safe swimming.
The biggest issue at the quarry is not the body of water itself, he said, but the decisions swimmers make there.
"You put any one of the calls that we've been on on any other body of water in Waushara County with the same contributing factors and the result is going to be the same," Wedell said.
He and Deringer are also working to put a sign at the quarry that lists the names of all the people who have died there, in an effort to deter any risky behavior.
"It's not just a number, there was a person involved in that and they had aspirations that were cut short for various reasons," Wedell said.
The Jakefest fundraiser is Saturday, August 6th from 1 p.m. - 11 p.m. and will feature four bands at the First Chance Last Chance Saloon in Redgranite. Tickets are $10. For more information, visit their Facebookpage.
