RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

January 3, 2002
WINTER "MADNESS" AS WALKERS RISK THEIR LIVES ON ICE

People are continuing to risk their lives by ignoring safety warnings and walking on frozen lakes, ponds, reservoirs and canals, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said today.

RoSPA spokesman Roger Vincent said: "A lot of people are likely to go out walking at the weekend and with the cold spell continuing we are extremely concerned that there could be more tragedies in the next few days.

"It is madness to go out on to frozen waterways. Even testing the thickness of the ice with your toe puts you in danger. It is easy to slip from the bank and go through the ice, and if the ice appears to take your weight the temptation is always to take another step forward where the ice could be much thinner.

"We have already seen one death where a man went through the ice on a frozen reservoir and we don't want to see any more.

"But sadly we are still receiving reports from around the country that people are ignoring the safety advice.

"It is vital that parents explain the dangers to their children and that they realise there is very little chance of survival if the ice gives way.

"Adults should set a good example by staying off the ice themselves, and dog owners should ensure they keep their pets on a lead. In a big freeze five years ago, we saw eight ice-related drownings - five of them dog owners who followed their pets on to the ice.

"Those with responsibility for water sites can help by putting up warning notices and increasing patrols to tell people of the dangers."