Northamptonshire fire service issues warning after multiple reports of people on frozen water
Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to take care around water during this period of cold weather and to never walk on to frozen ponds, lakes and rivers.
The warning comes after multiple reports this week of people walking or playing on frozen bodies of water.
Incidents include concerned members of the public calling the fire service to reports of people walking on the iced-over water on the Oakley Vale estate and Corby Boating Lake.
A fire service spokesman said: “While it can look fun, the ice may not be as thick as it appears to be and there is a high-risk of falling through.
"Water at this time of year will be freezing and can send bodies into cold-water shock.”
To reduce the risk of falling into cold water:
- Do not walk or play on ice
- Keep your pets away from ice and on leads at all times
- If your pet enters extremely cold water, do not attempt to rescue them yourself – you could put yourself in danger and they are more likely to rescue themselves
- If you go for a walk near water, try and go during daylight hours when visibility is good. If not, make sure the route is well lit
- Stay away from the water’s edge
Advice
If you find yourself in the water, relax and float on your back to catch your breath. Try and get hold of something that will help to keep you afloat while keeping calm and calling for help before swimming to safety if you are able to.
If you see someone in difficulty in the water, remember CALL, TELL, THROW:
CALL 999 and ask for the fire service
TELL the person to float on their back
THROW them something that floats, could be a branch or even a football
Northants Police has urged people not to travel if they don’t need to as Storm Goretti heads to Northamptonshire.
A weather warning for heavy snow, issued by the Met Office, is in place for parts of the county.