⚠️ Important Safety Warning: Stay Off the Ice at Hemlington Lake! ❄️🚫

⚠️ Important Safety Warning: Stay Off the Ice at Hemlington Lake! ❄️🚫

Over the past few days Middlesbrough South Neighbourhood Team Officers have responded to several reports of people walking onto the ice at Hemlington Lake.

Hemlington Lake in Middlesbrough may look beautiful and tempting when frozen over 🌨️, but DO NOT walk, play, or go onto the ice – it is extremely dangerous and could endanger your life! 💀

Why it's so risky: 😱

Ice thickness is unpredictable – it can look solid but be thin and uneven underneath. 🧊⚠️

Falling through leads to cold water shock 🌊😵, which can cause panic, gasping, and drowning in minutes, even if you're a strong swimmer.

The freezing water causes rapid hypothermia 🥶, making it hard to move or call for help.

Advice for everyone: 🛡️

Stay well back from the edges of the lake. 🚶‍♂️↔️

Parents/carers: Talk to your children about the dangers and supervise them closely near water 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦👀

Dog owners: Keep dogs on leads near frozen water 🐕🔗 and never throw sticks or toys onto the ice! 🚫

If your pet falls in, do not go after them – call for help and encourage them to swim to safety. 📞

If someone falls through the ice: 🚨

Call 999 immediately (ask for Fire and Rescue). ☎️

Do not attempt to rescue them yourself by going onto the ice. ❌

Shout encouragement and throw something like a rope or clothing to help them. 🗣️🪢

Enjoy the winter scenery from a safe distance – your life is worth more than a shortcut or a bit of fun on the ice! 🌳❄️❤️

Stay safe everyone! 👋

Cleveland Police, Cleveland Fire Brigade, and partners urge everyone to heed these warnings. 🚒👮