West Midlands public warned to avoid frozen water during cold snap
West Midlands Fire Service are reminding people that frozen water is one of the most dangerous winter hazards
West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is urging people not to enter or venture on to frozen lakes, ponds, rivers, canals or reservoirs as freezing temperatures continue across the region.
Fire chiefs warn that surface ice can look solid but is often thin and unpredictable, and can suddenly give way, plunging people or pets into freezing water. WMFS says children and dog walkers are particularly at risk, with youngsters tempted to play near frozen water and owners instinctively trying to rescue pets that fall in.
Parents and carers are being asked to speak to children about the dangers and reinforce the message that no ice is ever safe. Dog walkers are advised to keep pets on leads near water during icy conditions and never enter the water themselves.
Emily Fernandez, Head of Prevention at West Midlands Fire Service, said the tragedy at Babbs Mill Lake remains a painful reminder of the risks. She said: “The loss of four young boys at the frozen Babbs Mill Lake is still a very real and raw memory for our communities. Frozen water can look harmless, but it’s one of the most dangerous winter hazards we face. Please help us to avert another tragedy.”
She added: “Never step onto ice and, crucially, don’t enter water or venture on to ice if a person or animal gets into difficulty. Call 999 immediately and ask for the fire service.”
WMFS also warned that cold water shock can affect anyone, regardless of age or swimming ability, and can quickly lead to exhaustion and drowning.
If you fall through ice, WMFS is urging people try to stay calm, spread your arms across the ice, kick your legs to help slide yourself out, and lie flat as you move towards the bank. If you cannot escape, stay as still as possible and wait for help.
If someone else falls through ice, call 999 or 112 and ask for the fire service, do not go on the ice, and try to reach them from the bank using an object such as a rope, branch or item of clothing. If you can’t reach them, wait for emergency services to arrive and keep reassuring the casualty.