Stay safe by staying off frozen water

With the snow and icy conditions set to last for several days, Blackburn with Darwen Council, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and the Wildlife Trust are urging people to stay safe by staying off frozen water.

The Council is beginning to add new signage to open water areas to warn of the dangers.

There are serious risks when walking on frozen lakes and waterways when temperatures in the UK stay around freezing, so please take extra care and keep away from frozen water during the cold snap.

Although at first, walking across the frozen surface may appear enticing, the water doesn’t have thick enough ice to withstand much weight. The cold water temperature means the body will instantly go into shock, with potential to cause hypothermia or cardiac arrest, significantly increasing the chances of drowning.

In light of recent videos circulating on social media, this warning comes as a timely reminder to stay off the frozen water and remain extra cautious, particularly during half-term.

Dog owners must also be careful and not throw sticks or balls onto ice. Should a dog go onto the ice and get into difficulty, do not attempt to carry out a rescue.

The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside is also warning people not to risk their lives by skating or walking on frozen lakes in the North West.

Freezing temperatures have seen icy lakes and rivers in nature reserves managed by the Trust, with reports of people walking and skating on the lakes being received. As well as endangering life, using the lakes for sporting activities is harmful to the wildlife living there.

Sayyed Osman, Director of Adult Services and Health, said:

 We are aware of videos circulating on social media where teenagers are seen dangerously sliding across frozen water.

As it’s half term we know more children and young people will be out and about, and with the cold weather expected to continue we urge everyone to be aware of the dangers and what to do if you see anyone on the ice or in difficulty.

Thankfully in this circumstance these young people didn’t suffer any harm, however we are reminded all too often each year that sadly others aren’t so lucky. The risks of harm, severe injury and loss of life are real and significant.

Martin Dillon, Station Manager for Blackburn with Darwen, said:

We know that the effects of cold water temperatures can quickly overwhelm people and have devastating consequences.

Nationally, around half of water fatalities involve people who didn’t actually intend to go into water and so it’s always concerning to see videos of people actively taking such unnecessary risks.

In recent weeks our crews have attended multiple water rescue incidents where pets and their owners have fallen through ice and got into difficulties.

Whilst we’ve fortunately not had any serious injuries or fatalities we would always advise people to keep pets close by when out walking near water and avoid playing games with them near icy water too. 

We understand that getting out and exercising is a key part of people’s health and wellbeing, particularly during the national lockdown and we’re lucky we have so many beauty spots nearby to explore; but we want people to enjoy the outdoors safely and remain vigilant to the hazards around them and not take any unnecessary risks.

Trust Campaigns Manager, Alan Wright, said:

It is concerning to hear that our wetland nature reserves are being used for Dancing on Ice practice, but we need to warn people that this is dangerous.

These lakes are deep because of the recent floods and there will be areas where the ice is going to be thin. 

Our reserves, by their nature, are remote places and if anyone gets in to difficulties, there will only be a few, if any, people around to help.

Trust Health and Safety Advisor, Ben Turpin said:

Frozen lakes pose a significant risk to life and must not be used for any recreation or entertainment. The Trust’s ability to provide immediate emergency response is limited and these incidents put extra pressures on staff and resources. 

It is also recognised that over half of people who have drowned under ice are those trying to rescue other people or dogs, so please ensure you treat frozen lakes with the respect and care they demand.

Safety advice

Never venture onto frozen ponds and lakes, no matter how safe it looks.

If you see someone fall through the ice:

• Shout for assistance and send for the emergency services – call 999 or 112 – it’s a free call from any phone
• Stay off the ice
• Shout to the casualty to keep still
• Try and reach them from the bank using a rope, pole, tree branch, clothing tied together or anything else that extends your reach
• When reaching from the bank, lie down to avoid being pulled onto the ice
• If you cannot reach them, slide something that floats, like a rescue buoy, across the ice for them to hold on to stay afloat
• If the casualty is out of reach, wait for the emergency services while calming and reassuring them

After the casualty has been rescued from the ice:

• Make sure the ambulance is on its way
• Lay them flat, check their breathing and pulse and begin resuscitation if necessary
• Prevent them from getting colder by putting them in a sleeping bag or covering them, including their head, with blankets or spare clothing
• Get them under shelter and out of the cold
• Until the casualty is in a warm place do not undress them
• Do not rub their skin, apply hot water or give an alcoholic drink
• Keep them wrapped up so that they warm up gradually

If you fall through the ice:

• Keep calm and call for help
• If no help is available spread your arms across the surface of the ice
• If the ice is strong enough kick your legs and slide onto the ice
• Lie flat and pull yourself to the bank
• If the ice is very thin, break it in front of you and make your way to the shore
• If you cannot climb out, wait for help keeping as still as possible
• Press your arms by your side and keep your legs together
• Once you are safe, go to hospital immediately for a check-up