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Ice safety: Stay safe near frozen water

A white paper sign on a tree reads "Danger Thin Ice" with a hazard graphic of a person falling. Branches and a body of water can be seen in the background. In Pictures via Getty Images

With the cold weather turning ponds and lakes into cool ice-scapes, it can be tempting to head out and play on the ice.

But frozen water is very dangerous and there have been several accidents recently where people and animals have been hurt.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) says it is important to remember that playing on frozen water is never safe.

If you want to have fun on the ice, get your skates on and head to a proper ice rink with an adult. Here's what RoSPA told Newsround about staying safe near the ice.

Why is the ice dangerous?

Two children peer at a frozen body of water in a park. NurPhoto via Getty Images

Frozen water can look stronger and more solid than it really is, and it isn't a good idea to try and test the thickness, because you could fall through it.

The temperature of icy water is cold enough to take your breath away, and could make your arms and legs numb meaning you won't be able to swim.

This puts you at risk of hypothermia, which is when your body temperature drops severely, and drowning.

How do I stay safe near frozen water?

frozen pondGetty Images

  • Stay well away from the water's edge, because branches and leaves can hide where the ground ends and the water begins.

  • Put your dog on a lead and avoid throwing sticks and balls near the water. If they take an interest in a frozen pond or lake andget in trouble and you try to rescue them, you'll both be in danger.

  • Always stay near friends or family - if anything goes wrong, you've got someone there to help.

  • If you see someone in trouble in freezing water, your gut response will be to try to rescue them. But that puts you in danger too.

  • Instead, keep calm, call 999 and provide clear, accurate information about your situation and location.

  • Don't take any risks - you may think it is fun to play on the ice but it can be very dangerous, and rescuers may not be nearby.

Carlene McAvoy, a manager at RoSPA, said: "Ice on ponds, lakes and rivers can look interesting and fun, but it can break at any time.

"If someone steps onto it and it cracks, they can fall into very cold water, which can result in cold shock, making it hard to breathe or move."

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