Fire Service issue frozen water safety advice

We are urging people to stay safe around frozen water as temperatures continue to be around freezing in the county.

Whether it is a river, pond, canal or reservoir – frozen water should be avoided.

While the ice may look solid, it can suddenly crack and cause a person to fall through and potentially become trapped under the ice.

We’re aware of two incidents in Staffordshire this week.

A concerned member of the public reported seeing children on a pond in Leek on Tuesday (13 December).

And on Canal Street, Longport, a witness reported seeing two boys on a frozen lake at around 11.10am this morning (Wednesday 14 December).

Ben Sourbutts, Prevention Delivery Lead at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Although frozen water may look picturesque and safe to walk on, it is not. It is very dangerous and can have fatal consequences.

“Ice can easily break, you do not know how deep the water is below, freezing water can then cause cold water shock.

“We are urging people not to put their lives at risk by venturing onto frozen water.

“Don’t wander too near to the edge, icy conditions could cause you to slip and fall in and don’t be tempted to test how solid the water is.”

For more information on how to stay safe outdoors this winter, visit our website.