On thin ice!

Photo courtesy of Jon Granger - Evening Mail

Cumbrians are being warned to stay off the frozen water. With freezing temperatures forecast to continue until next week, police and fire and rescue chiefs in Cumbria are warning people to stay off frozen lakes, rivers or ponds for their own safety.

Venturing out onto frozen water is extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening should the ice give way because there is no way of knowing just how thick or stable any ice is or whether it is strong enough to take weight.

There have been no reports of people falling through ice in Cumbria and police, the fire service and other partner agencies want to make sure it stays that way.

While so many schools are closed parents are being urged to ensure their children are aware of how dangerous playing on frozen water can be with solid-looking surfaces often hiding dangerously thin ice and freezing water beneath.

A spokesman for Cumbria Police said: “We would advise people not to put themselves and others in danger by venturing onto frozen bodies of water, such as ponds and lakes.

“It may seem tempting but in doing so you are putting yourself at risk of drowning if the ice breaks and you are also putting others who may attempt to rescue you in danger.

“We would urge parents to know where their children are when they are out and about in the cold weather and discuss with them the dangers of playing on frozen bodies of water – if possible – never leave youngsters unsupervised near frozen ponds, rivers and lakes.”

Justin Johnston, area manager for Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service, said: “The potential danger associated with a frozen body of water is that although it may appear to be robust and strong, there can be little or no support and the ice can give way with no warning.

“The hazards are drowning, asphyxia and hypothermia. If the ice gives way then it can trap you, and when the weather is like this hypothermia sets in very quickly.

“I would urge everyone in Cumbria to avoid frozen water and ensure that pets are kept on leads.

"Our message is simple - stay off any frozen body of water for your own safety."

Dog walkers are also asked to keep their dogs on leads near frozen water if there is a risk of them venturing onto the ice and getting into trouble.

If you see someone fall through the ice you should:

• Call the emergency services

• Do not attempt to go out on to the ice yourself

• Tell the person to stay still to maintain heat and energy

• Try finding something which will extend your reach, such as a rope, pole or branch

• Throw the object out and, once ensuring you are stable on the bank either by lying down or having someone hold on to you, pull them in

• If you cannot find something to reach with, try finding an object that will float and push that out to them

• Ensure that you keep off the ice at all times during the rescue, continue to reassure the casualty and keep them talking until help arrives