Ice safety warning and advice from doctors across Cumbria

With cold weather set to bring prolonged freezing temperatures to the county for the first time this winter, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service is warning people to stay off frozen lakes, rivers and ponds.

While frozen water might look like a tempting ice rink or an attractive playground, venturing onto it is highly dangerous and potentially life-threatening should the ice give way.

The dangers of this type of accident are particularly prevalent in Cumbria given the large number of lakes, tarns and rivers across the county.

Even where the ice looks stable, people should never risk stepping on it as there is no way of knowing just how thick or stable any ice is or whether it is strong enough to take weight.

Parents in particular are being warned to ensure their children are aware of how dangerous playing on frozen water can be with solid-looking surfaces often hiding dangerously thin ice and freezing water beneath.

Cumbria’s Chief Fire Officer Dominic Harrison said: "I would urge people not to put themselves and others in danger by venturing out onto frozen water.

"There are many potential dangers associated with a frozen body of water. Although it may appear to be robust and strong, there can be little or no support and the ice can give way with no warning.

"The hazards are drowning, asphyxia and hypothermia. If the ice gives way then it can trap you, and when the weather is like this hypothermia sets in very, very quickly.

"I’d also encourage parents to know where their children are when they are out and about in the cold weather and to never leave youngsters unsupervised near frozen ponds, rivers and lakes.

"While the Fire and Rescue service is trained to carry out frozen water rescues, the best way to avoid a tragedy is to prevent it happening in the first place.

"Our message is simple - stay off any frozen body of water for your own safety."

Dog walkers are also asked to keep their dogs on leads near frozen water if there is a risk of them venturing onto the ice and getting into trouble.

If you see someone fall through the ice you should:

- Call the emergency services

- Do not attempt to go out on to the ice yourself

- Tell the person to stay still to maintain heat and energy

- Try finding something which will extend your reach, such as a rope, pole or branch

- Throw the object out and, once ensuring you are stable on the bank either by lying down or having someone hold on to you, pull them in

- If you cannot find something to reach with, try finding an object that will float and push that out to them

- Ensure that you keep off the ice at all times during the rescue, continue to reassure the casualty and keep them talking until help arrives

Meanwhile doctors at NHS Cumbria are reminding people of the steps they should take to make sure they stay safe and well during the extreme cold weather forecast for this week.

To keep warm and well during periods of cold weather:

- Keep curtains drawn and doors closed to block out draughts
- Have regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day if possible – eating regularly helps keep energy levels up during winter.
- Wear several light layers of warm clothes – rather than one chunky layer
- Keep as active as possible
- Wrap up warm if you need to go outside on cold days.

Keep your main living room at around 18-21C (64-70F), and the rest of the house at least 16 C (61F). If you can’t heat all the rooms you use, heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before you go to sleep.

Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be more vulnerable to cold weather. Cold weather is especially dangerous for older people or people with serious illnesses, so check up on them if you can.

People with heat or respiratory (breathing) problems may have worse symptoms during a cold spell and for several days after temperatures return to normal.

Professor John Ashton, NHS Cumbria’s Director of Public Health said: “The forecast is for the cold spell to last several days and this presents a health risk, particularly to older people and those living with underlying medical conditions.

“During extreme weather conditions it is even more important for people to look after themselves and others around them – and take sensible steps to reduce the risk of injury or illness.