Frozen Bodies of Water Safety Advice

DearResident

We are in the midst of a very cold snap which is creating lots of Ice, not only on the roads but bodies of water everywhere, This water can be tempting especially for children.

Please keep off the ice and make sure children and pets do the same.

Please speak to all younger family members and friends and help push this very important message to help keep every safe. 

What looks solid can break without warning, putting lives at risk. Also take care around slippery edges.

Going onto frozen ponds, reservoirs, lakes, and canals is dangerous and can have fatal results. It might be tempting to walk or play on frozen water, but the ice can easily break.  

The temperature of the water is cold enough to take your breath away, which can easily lead to panic and drowning.

Never venture onto frozen water. Even if the ice appears thick from the bank, it becomes thinner very quickly and can crack.

Our message is simple – stay safe, stay off the ice.

What to do if someone falls into icy water

If you see a person in trouble in water, stay on the bank and phone 999 (ask for the fire service if inland, or the coastguard if by the sea).

Use the "Shout, Reach, Throw, Don't Go" method from the shore: shout instructions, reach with a long object (pole, branch, clothing), throw something buoyant (ball, rope), and never go in yourself to avoid becoming a second victim. 

Once rescued, remove wet clothes, get them dry and warm quickly, and seek immediate medical attention as hypothermia sets in fast. 

Animals and frozen water

If a dog, or other animal, ventures onto the ice, or falls through it, do not go onto the ice to rescue it – you are likely to end up in the freezing water and unable to help the animal.

Never throw sticks or balls onto the ice for your dog – keep them on a lead near frozen water.