Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service warn of frozen water danger

It's after crews from Workington and Whitehaven were called to Siddick Ponds over the weekend

Author: Cameron GreenPublished 12th Dec 2022
Last updated 12th Dec 2022

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service are telling parents to warn their children of the potential consequences if someone goes through into the frozen water. It's after crews from Workington and Whitehaven were called to Siddick Ponds in Workington at around 3.45pm on Sunday 11 December to reports of two boys falling through the ice.

Working alongside colleagues from Cumbria Police, North West Ambulance Service and assistance from HM Coastguard and their helicopter, Maryport Rescue and voluntary organisation West Cumbria Search & Animal Rescue a thorough search was carried out. Following extensive enquiries by Cumbria Police they were able to identify the boys involved and speak with them, it is believed that one of them partially fell through the ice, however he did not fully enter the water.

Rick Ogden, Assistant Chief Fire Officer for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service said: “On behalf of all the emergency services, I’m very pleased that the outcome from the incident yesterday was positive and no one was seriously injured or required rescuing. I do however want to take this opportunity to remind people of the dangers of walking out onto ice. With temperatures set to remain very cold, struggling to get above freezing over the coming days, many ponds and other stretches of water are at risk of freezing. Whilst they may look solid from the surface and tempting to step on, they can be extremely dangerous and very unlikely to hold your weight.

“Please also keep pets on leads when near frozen water and don’t throw objects onto the ice for them to retrieve".

“If you see anyone in difficultly please call 999 immediately. Reassure them but don’t attempt to rescue them as you could become the next casualty.”

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