Tuesday 5 January
07.30.00hrs
Avon Fire & Rescue Service is urging people to think before
they attempt to walk out onto icy waterways during wintery weather
conditions.
Not only are children and young people often tempted out onto
the ice, but adults, perhaps in an attempt to rescue their pet dog
which has fallen through, also go out onto the ice putting their
lives in danger.
The fire and rescue service, which responds to incidents on the
many waterways in the Avon area, is urging people to stay away from
the ice, no matter how tempting it may look and to keep pets on
leads near icy water.
Tragically each year people across the country drown after they
fall through the ice and Avon firefighters are urging people to
stay safe during this time. Often it’s when the family pet
runs out onto the ice and falls through, that people will venture
out to save it before thinking of the dangers. In most cases
the dog is able to get out, reaching the side safely, but it can be
a very different story for the person attempting to rescue it.
The best action is to keep pets on leads around icy waterways
and tell children and young people about the dangers of playing on
or around icy waterways.
If there is an accident, firefighters are highly trained to deal
with such situations and have the right safety equipment to enable
them to enter the water. At this time of year the water
temperature is so cold that if someone falls in they can experience
a condition known ‘water shock’, where even the best swimmers would
struggle to stay afloat due to the affects of cold water on the
body.
If someone finds a person or a pet has fallen through into the
water, the best thing to do is to call the emergency services who
have the right equipment and training, rather than attempt to deal
with it themselves which could also put their life at
risk.