DEFIANT swimmers have been jumping off cliffs and bathing at the notorious Gullet Quarry in the Malvern Hills despite safety warnings.

Police are launching a crackdown on the dangerous activity, warning offenders could be prosecuted, while firefighters and ambulance staff are urging people to stay away.

But defiant swimmers have flocked to the beauty spot, where two young men drowned in July 2013, to enjoy a dip during this week’s heatwave.

Lisa Evans, 37, who grew up in Birtsmorton near the quarry, took to the water in a rubber ring on Wednesday (July 1) – the hottest day of the year - and refused to leave the site when asked to by a West Mercia Police officer.

She said: “Nothing is going to stop me visiting the quarry and taking a dip.

“I have been coming here for 30 years and I will carry on doing so for the next 30 years.

“I’m willing to go to court to fight for my right to be in this beautiful place.”

The outspoken woman argued passionately with the policeman and remained remorseless even after having her details taken and being told she could be prosecuted for her actions.

“It is a perfectly safe place for me to chill out, go for a dip and then sunbathe”, she added.

“I’m not getting drunk and don’t jump in.

“Of course it is a dangerous place when people have been silly, diving into the freezing cold water which shocks the system.

“I do feel sorry for the people and families who have suffered tragedies.

“But this is one of the most beautiful places around here and they won’t stop me visiting.

“They should introduce charges and get a lifeguard rather than try and ban people.”

Lucas Gornaiak, 33, of Gloucester, was similarly enjoying the water in the glorious sunshine on Wednesday, sipping on a can of lager in his swimming shorts.

He said: “Loads of people have been here today swimming and jumping in off the high cliffs.

“It seems pretty safe and if people are just swimming the authorities should let it go – the quarry should be open for everyone.

“To let it go to waste would be a real shame.

“But if idiots are jumping in then they should be stopped.”

He added the water was cold for the first 10 seconds but after that it was like being abroad and warmer than the sea.

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

In 2013 Justas Juzenas, 22, of Ross-on-Wye, and Russell O’Neill, 17, of Worcester, died at Gullet Quarry in July after getting into trouble in the lake. The deaths happened within a week of each other.

The drownings split public opinion with some calling for drastic action and others saying the beauty spot should be left alone. Three other people have died there since 1995.

Police have been visiting the quarry regularly this week alongside the conservators’ wardens and firefighters in an attempt to deter rule breakers.

All three organisations are urging people to stay away.

PC Dave Wise, of West Mercia Police, said: "Anyone breaching a byelaw under the Malvern Hills Acts 1884 to1995 could be liable to prosecution where appropriate and proportionate."

Malvern Hills Conservators equally are reminding people of the serious dangers of Gullet Quarry while firefighters parked a vehicle on the site's access road on Wednesday and advised all passers-by not to swim.

But despite their efforts Gullet Quarry, off Castlemorton Common, remains a popular site and has been a hive of activity over recent days.

Empty cider bottles, rubbish and discarded clothes left strewn across the beauty spot were testament to the increased footfall.