Fire and rescue service says ‘keep off the ice’

Frozen lake

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are warning people of the extreme dangers of ice and open water.

This follows an incident at Wigan Flash on December 7 where a 72 year old man became stranded trying to rescue his pet dog. The man was rescued from the ice by firefighters using specialist water rescue equipment – who then rescued the dog from the icy water.

County Fire Officer and Chief Executive Steve McGuirk said: “It is an almost inevitable fact that a spate of cold weather usually means we will find ourselves attending incidents involving someone who has got into difficulty whilst playing or walking near a frozen pond or waterway. It may seem attractive to people but it is all too easy for them to get into trouble.”

Venturing onto frozen ponds, lakes and canals is extremely dangerous and falling through the ice can so easily have fatal results. Children are particularly at risk and parents and guardians are urged to remind them of the dangers.

Pets are also likely to become stranded if not kept under close control often leading to people risking their own lives to reach them.

Please remember the following advice:

• Do not go onto ice-covered lakes, ponds or rivers – it’s not safe! In the event of entering icy water hypothermia can set in very quickly reducing the ability to get out safely
• The ice closest to the bank may appear to be thick but it becomes thinner towards the middle
• If a dog or another animal falls through the ice, do not go to its rescue, if the ice did not support the animal it will not take your weight
• If you do see a person or animal in difficulty, do not also become a victim, call 999 and direct the emergency services on their arrival