Emergency services have been made aware of an incident in Nottinghamshire.
Ashfield Fire Station said on Tuesday 6 January:
‘We have received reports of children wearing school uniforms walking onto the ice on local ponds.
‘Parents, please speak to your children about how dangerous this is.
‘Ice can look safe but can break without warning. Showing off to friends can have devastating consequences.
‘Please make sure your children arrive home safely for their tea tonight.
‘If you work in a school, please remind all pupils of the dangers of going onto frozen ponds and lakes.’
Frozen waters
In winter, children and pets are particularly at risk when tempted to play on the ice formed on open water, and adults can find themselves at risk in attempting to save them.
Taking a nice walk in cold weather with your family, friends or dogs in tow can be really refreshing, just make sure you know some simple tips on how to stay safe in winter.
- Don’t wander too near the edge, icy or wet conditions could cause you to slip and fall in.
- Don’t be tempted to test the thickness of the ice; it’s easy to slip from the bank and fall through into the freezing water.
- Make sure your children understand how dangerous it is to play on ice.
- Adults should set a good example by staying off the ice themselves.
- Dog owners should ensure they keep their pets on a lead, so they are not at risk of falling in. Don’t go onto ice or into the water to rescue a dog, move to somewhere that the dog will be able to climb out and call them towards you.
