Ice Safety and Winter Water Safety
Children are attracted to frozen lakes, canals and Lochs as they present natural play opportunities. Ice, however, can be a serious hazard in the UK in the winter.
- Plan your route if you’re going out and about near waterways in winter.
- Look out for the signs and warnings. They are placed to warn of non-obvious hazards.
- Stay off the ice and frozen waters they will not be able to hold a person’s weight.
- Keep away from the edge and be aware that snow and leaves may obscure the edge.
- Supervise children around ice and waterways.
- Keep your dog on a lead near ice and frozen waters and don’t throw sticks or balls onto the ice for them.
If you see a person in the water:
- Call 999 and shout for help
- Stay off the ice: Help from the land to the best of your ability. Try to keep your eyes on the person at all times, especially in moving water.
- Shout to the casualty to keep still to maintain heat and energy, use a calm reassuring voice if possible: Float to Live.
- Look for rescue equipment or anything that will extend your reach such as a rope, pole, branch or item of clothing.
- Reach or throw out to the casualty with it. Gently guide and move the person to the shore. Make sure that you are on stable ground.
- Keep the casualty warm and make sure they go to hospital.
For additional water safety advice, please visit: Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK)
