RoSPA Press Office : Press Release
December 21, 1998
WINTER WARNING TO WALKERS
RoSPA is urging the public not to become complacent about safety this winter if temperatures plummet and canals, ponds and lakes start to freeze over. Despite repeated warnings, people continue to dice with death by skating or running on frozen water.
Even strong swimmers will swiftly succumb to freezing water as victims of ice accidents become helpless with the cold within seconds. Latest figures from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents show those most at risk from drowning in icy water are children and men of all ages.
Over the past five years at least 20 people have drowned in ice-related circumstances. Of these, 12 drowned after falling through ice, and nine of them had been trying to rescue their dogs - which generally managed to scramble ashore.
Although there was no big freeze and consequently no ice drownings last winter, RoSPA is urging those eager to enjoy this winter’s weather not to put their lives at risk.
By comparison, the winter of 1996/97 was marked by a bitterly cold spell which saw the ice drownings death toll rise to a worrying eight - five of those who died were trying to rescue their dogs.
Ruth Sleigh, RoSPA’s Head of Water and Leisure, said: "1996 provided a grim warning for families. It would be awful if there were similar tragedies this year. Winter is a traditional time for people to go out walking but if ponds, canals, rivers and lakes are frozen they should steer well clear - particularly if they have dogs."
People responsible for areas of water to which the public may have access, and are susceptible to freezing over, should ensure there are warning signs up, increase supervision of the area and use the media to advise of the dangers of frozen water.
If someone does fall through ice, always alert the emergency services immediately. It is vital not to attempt to go onto the ice, as a quarter of the deaths in the past five years were as a result of rescue attempts.
Try to throw a branch, or something which will float, out to them to keep them above the surface. Once out of the water they will need to be kept warm.
The best safety policy is simply: KEEP OFF THE ICE.
