Patrols increased after children seeing playing on frozen Lowestoft pond
It comes after tragedy in Solihull
Last updated 21st Dec 2022
Patrols have been stepped up around ponds, lakes and reservoirs in Suffolk after reports over the weekend of children seen playing on a frozen pond in Lowestoft.
It comes after a tragic incident on Sunday, 11 December, in which four young boys died after falling into an icy lake at Babbs Mill Park near Solihull.
Since then, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has increased patrols at ponds, lakes, and reservoirs across the county to help highlight how dangerous icy water can be.
Despite recent safety messages from the service, the service says firefighters have still seen children playing on a frozen pond, and that they've received reports with members of the public saying they've also witnessed children testing the ice near the water’s edge.
An inspection of the pond revealed that the ice is only a few centimetres thick and liable to break at any moment.
Toby Gray, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service Area Manager for Prevention and Protection said:
“Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service was deeply saddened to hear of the incident in Solihull, and our thoughts remain with all those affected.
“We want to ensure that a similar tragedy doesn’t happen in Suffolk, so our crews have been visiting parks and other public open spaces to help educate people on the lethal consequences of icy water and put posters up detailing safety advice.
“It is shocking that anyone is still playing on frozen water despite the dangers of doing so being well publicised recently. I would ask that parents speak to their children about staying away from iced-over water. You may think that your child has more sense, but it is easy to give into peer pressure without thinking about how deadly ice can be.”