Children warned, don’t risk your life by playing on frozen water

Children are being warned to stay away from frozen water following reports of youngsters playing on ice in Stoke-on-Trent.

Emergency services responded to reports at Burslem Park, on Moorland Road, Holden Lane Pools Nature Reserve, on Leek New Road, and Central Forrest Park, on Chell Street, Hanley, yesterday (Thursday 18 January), between 3.30pm and 4.30pm.

Witnesses described children, wearing school uniform, running or walking on frozen water. Those involved were safeguard all those involved and speak to them about the risks with frozen water.

Thankfully, nobody fell through the ice at the locations but police and fire chiefs are warning of the dangers of going onto frozen bodies of water.

Frozen water safety tips:

• Don’t wander too near the edge, icy or wet conditions could cause you to slip and fall in
• Don't be tempted to test the thickness of the ice; it's easy to slip from the bank and fall through into the freezing water
• Make sure your children understand how dangerous it is to play on ice
• Adults should set a good example by staying off the ice themselves
• Dog owners should ensure they keep their pets on a lead so they are not at risk of falling in

For more advice on how to stay safe around frozen water, visit:  Frozen waters (staffordshirefire.gov.uk)