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Safety advice near open water during cold spell
14/12/2022
Children in the county have been seen playing on a frozen pond
As the cold spell continues a warning has been issued by Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue reminding us to be careful around open water. The cautionary message follows the tragedies in the West Midlands earlier this week and the news that several primary school aged children were caught playing on a frozen pond in Didcot yesterday afternoon.
Didcot fire fighters spoke to the children, who said they were only doing what they saw older children doing that morning.
The county’s Fire and Rescue Service have now issued a statement saying that everyone must be aware there is a risk that ice could break, with anyone walking on the surface falling into the freezing water below. Parents and guardians are asked to teach their children not to go onto the ice for any reason.
Its suggested walking routes are altered to avoid going near waterways, or to only walk that way in daylight hours to reduce the risk of slipping or falling.
Dogs should be kept on a lead near ice and throw sticks or toys not thrown on the ice for dogs. People should not venture onto the ice to rescue a dog, but instead move to somewhere that the animal can climb out and call them over.
Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services and Safety, said: “If you encounter somebody who is in trouble on or near ice, it’s vital that you don’t go in too. Call the emergency services on 999. Reassure the person, look for an object like a pole, rope, branch or a life-ring and throw it in to them.”
The advice if you spot someone who has fallen through ice and needs help is:
- 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 that will extend your reach, such as a rope, pole or branch and throw it to them.
- Make sure that you are stable on the bank either by lying down or having someone hold on to you and pull the person in the water towards you.
- If you cannot find something to reach with, try finding an object that will float and push that out to them.
- Ensure that you always stay off the ice during the rescue.
- Continue to reassure the person and keep them talking until help arrives.
- Once the person is out of the water, keep them warm and get them checked by a medical professional even if they appear to be unaffected.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam