'Please avoid Rutland water', say community responders

Rutland Water's a picturesque location for a walk at any time of year, particularly during cold and snowy conditions - but families are being urged to keep their distance.

The freezing temperature of Rutland Water, and any water sources across Stamford and Rutland, can be fatal should anyone fall in - says Rutland Community First Responders.

It's after three children lost their lives in a tragic incident on an icy lake near Solihull - with another boy in a critical condition.

Barbara Crellin MBE, from the Rutland Community First Responders, said:

'Please, people round here, avoid Rutland water and the canal and everywhere - no matter how frozen it may look, it will not be safe enough to slide on.'

'Apart from anything else - please don't go in the cold water because the cold water itself is very bad for you and could cause cardiac arrest - and obviously death because of the temperature.

'If you see someone in trouble, get the qualified people who know what they're doing who will have the right equipment, the right clothing. The last thing you need when someone goes under is a second casualty trying to help them'

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