RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

January 7, 2003
LIVES AT RISK AS FREEZE CONTINUES

As the big freeze continued today, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents warned people not to risk their lives by walking on frozen lakes, ponds, reservoirs and canals.

Peter Cornall, RoSPA Water and Leisure Manager, said that even by walking close to the water’s edge people were putting their lives in danger.

“With the cold spell gripping the country, we are extremely concerned that there could be tragedies in the next few days,” he said. “Four youngsters died when they went through the ice on a frozen river in America recently, and we would hate to see a similar thing happen here.

“There was at least one death in the UK last winter where a boy went through the ice on a frozen reservoir and another where someone slipped from the bank in icy conditions and died in the water.

“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 six 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.”

He said that even testing the thickness of the ice with a toe put people in danger. It was easy to slip from the bank and go through the ice. If the ice appeared to take someone’s weight, the temptation was always to take another step forward where the ice could be much thinner.

RoSPA publishes an ice safety factsheet that explains the dangers and offers advice to water site operators. RoSPA can also supply signs for water site operators, visit the RoSPA online product catalogue.