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Ice capers prompt danger warning from rescue services
RESCUE services are urging people to stay away from areas of frozen water, as the current temperatures continue to drop and icy conditions look set to grip Sussex.
Youngsters are being tempted by ice as a play spot, and these youngsters were pictured on private land in Haywards Heath, where some of them tried to smash ice.
Sarah Smith,communications officer of West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Our advice is simple - please think twice about ice! We know frozen lakes, ponds and streams can be inviting but they are not playgrounds. They may look safe, but there is no way of knowing how thick the ice is, whether it will hold your weight or what lies underneath it, so it’s best to simply stay clear of it. It’s really important for parents to explain the dangers of playing or skating on frozen water to their children.
“If someone falls through the ice they will quickly get into difficulty because the cold water shocks the system. Our firefighters do have the training and equipment to deal with this type of incident including inflatable walkways for use on ice; but this shouldn’t detract from the fact that people shouldn’t putting themselves at risk by playing on the ice.
“For dog owners the safest option is to keep your dog on a lead and avoid throwing sticks or balls near frozen water so they cannot run out onto the ice. If you do see an animal in difficulty, please do not try to rescue it yourself - if the ice is too thin to support a dog’s weight, it certainly won’t support yours. Instead call 999 and let us deal with it.”
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Weather for Haywards Heath
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 26 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North west
