Take care around frozen water

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to take care around open water as icy conditions continue.

“With the recent snowfall and icy conditions around the county we are urging those out and about near open water to be extremely careful."

The reminder comes after the Service was called to a report of a dog falling through ice on a pond in Burslem Park on Moorland Road just before 10.10am today (Thursday March 1).

A fire officer attended the incident and crews from Sandyford and Newcastle-under-Lyme’s Water Rescue Team were mobilised but thankfully the dog managed to get itself out of the water before they arrived and they were stood down.

Donna Broadhead, Prevent Manager, said: “With the recent snowfall and icy conditions around the county we are urging those out and about near open water to be extremely careful.

“If walking your dog near ponds, canals or lakes make sure you keep them on a lead to prevent them from walking on ice and potentially falling through. If they do go through the ice call the Fire Service and do not attempt to rescue them yourself as even shallow water will be incredibly dangerous in these sub zero temperatures.

“Likewise keep your children away from frozen water and educate them about the danger is poses. Take care if walking near any water as pathways will be slippery and it maybe deceiving where the waters edge is so stay well away.”

To stay safe follow the Service’s frozen water safety tips:

• 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 you 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.