A very popular local swimming hole, but also a great spot for beginner divers and even some training dives! This is a private property location, however the property owners have allowed recreational use of the quarry lake. The entrance is not currently gated, however if you arrive and the entrance is gated that will mean access has been closed.
This spring-fed quarry is the size of a small lake, with a gravel and rocky bottom. There are goldfish and catfish as well for entertainment.
Max depth approx 36ft deep towards the back of the quarry.
During the summer, it's much better to dive in the mornings before the quarry gets too warm, and too busy with swimmers.
DIRECTIONS
The quarry is located off East Scotch Settlement Road in Springfield, near Cambridge-Narrows.
If you simply follow Google directions to "The Cuts", the directions will try to take you up a nearby house driveway. This Google link will take you to the driveway into the quarry. The driveway is rough with broken pavement and potholes, but reasonable to drive in with care.
SITE
It is possible to park quite close to the water. The bottom is gravel and rocky, and does get more silty the deeper you go. It is a shallow sloping bottom, but does get deep fairly quickly. Max depth at this site is about 36ft deep.
ENTRY
Walk in from shore
VISIBILITY
Visibility will range considerably depending on the water temperature, recent heavy rain etc. The shallow area over gravel can often be quite clear. Visibility can range from 5-7ft in the summer, to 15ft or more in the colder months. There are also thermaclines present during early summer, and late Fall.
WATER TEMP
Approximately 12 ºC to 20 ºC
HAZARDS
No major hazards at this site. Watch for swimmers and small surface craft (mainly inflatables).
BOTTOM
The bottom of this dive site consists of rocks, gravel and sand.
FEATURES
Look for goldfish, they tend to come towards divers.
REFERENCES
https://maritimemac.com/2017/08/10/the-cuts-quarry-a-swimming-hole-secret/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oosupZwcNu8