Renewed warnings about icy waters
It follows reports of children walking out on to Kirk Hallam lake in Erewash
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service are once again urging the public to stay away from frozen lakes.
It comes after young people were seen venturing on to Kirk Hallam lake Erewash, despite previous warnings and the tragic deaths of 4 boys in Solihull who died after plunging into icy water.
Inspector Ed Browne, from Erewash Local Policing Unit, said: “As a father of two young children, I cannot begin to comprehend the pain of the families impacted by the tragic incident in Solihull. I therefore appeal directly to all parents, guardians, and young people to stay away from open water, especially frozen water."
In response to footage on local social media pages showing young people playing on ice, Inspector Browne said: “These may look like fun places to play but can become potentially lethal for those who venture onto the ice, as often the ice cannot support the weight of people or animals. The added hazards are the slippery banks, and the ice-cold temperature of the water should an incident occur, which can put anyone who tries to help at risk."
“I do not want a local family to be receiving news that a loved one has been injured or killed as a result of playing on ice, which is why I am repeating the appeal for every parent, guardian, and young person to stay away from frozen water and to have conversations about the very real risks of this behaviour."
Dean Gazzard from the fire service added:
"It's not the environment where you can swim your way out of trouble, because everything which happens to your body is totally involuntary.
"The inability to breathe and use your arms and legs is immediate, so this is why we tell people not to go out there under any circumstances."