Safety warning issued as frozen lakes and icy paths pose seasonal dangers
Residents urged to stay off ice and take precautions during winter
As temperatures drop across the UK this winter, experts are urging the public to stay off frozen lakes and ponds and take sensible precautions near icy water and pathways.
Mike Tipton, a safety expert, emphasised the dangers of walking on ice, warning that it can be unpredictable and unsafe.
“It may look attractive, but ice is incredibly dangerous. You can’t know if it will bear your weight,” Tipton said.
The National Water Safety Forum strongly advises people to avoid all ice-covered water. Tipton outlined key actions in case someone falls through the ice:
You will experience cold shock, causing gasping and hyperventilation. Let this pass, which may take about a minute.
Avoid panic and use the 5 minutes before cold water begins impairing physical strength to act.
Face the direction you came from, as the ice there supported you earlier.
Spread your arms and kick your legs to lift as much of your body onto the ice.
Roll or crawl towards the shore to distribute your weight as you move away from the water.
Tipton stressed the importance of parents educating children and keeping them supervised around water during winter.
“Children are often drawn to the excitement of frozen lakes, but this can lead to dangerous accidents. Parents, grandparents, and carers should make it clear to children to stay off the ice entirely,” he added.
If you see someone in trouble on the ice, call 999 immediately and never attempt to rescue them yourself. Instead, communicate safety advice to the person in the water, such as encouraging them to return to where they entered the ice. If possible, throw out a pole or branch to assist.
Pet owners are also reminded to keep dogs on leads near frozen water. According to Tipton, pets are lighter and more likely to stay on the ice surface, while owners attempting rescue can easily fall through.
He advised: “Encourage your dog to swim back to you rather than following it onto the ice yourself. Use a branch or pole to provide assistance, but stay back from the ice."
Winter weather also poses risks of accidental falls near water. Tipton explained: “Nearly 44% of people who end up immersed in cold water never intended to go in. Slippery paths around lakes or rivers are a common danger.”
Residents should wear sturdy boots or avoid muddy, icy paths entirely to reduce the chance of slipping near water.
Statistics highlight the serious risks of cold water immersion.
“Every other day in the UK, we lose someone to immersion accidents. These incidents add up to about 8,000 years of lost life annually," Tipton said.
Most victims are young, with 40% of deaths involving people under 40 years old. Accidents can often be prevented through education, awareness, and staying alert around frozen or icy areas.
With winter in full effect, following safety guidelines can make all the difference in preventing tragedies near frozen water and icy paths.