Warning issued after reports of children walking on frozen lakes in Hampton

A warning has been issued after reports of children running on frozen lakes in Hampton.

The warning comes after three children aged eight, 10 and 11 died in Solihull after falling into icy lakes on December 11.

A spokesman for O&H Hampton, a Peterborough developer, said: “We have had reports of children attempting to walk on the frozen lakes surrounding Hampton.

“Following the recent news, please remind children not to walk on the frozen lakes.”

A spokesman for Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service would like to remind people to take extra care in the freezing conditions this week.

“With snow and freezing temperatures seen across much of the county this morning, it’s really important that we follow a few simple steps to stay safe.

“Only travel if you must and if you do set out, please be prepared. Take your time on the roads and do not drive until you have completely cleared all windows of ice and snow.

“While frozen ponds and lakes look tempting to explore, they can be extremely dangerous, with potentially fatal consequences.

“It may be tempting to walk or play on the frozen water, but the ice can break easily. It’s impossible to know how thick the ice is and the temperature of the water is cold enough to take your breath away. This can quickly lead to panic and hypothermia, and eventually drowning.

“If pets go into freezing water, keep yourself out of the water. Call the fire department immediately and use what3words to share details about your location.”

Cllr Bryony Goodliffe, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Children and Young People’s Committee, said: “The snow and cold weather have brought beautiful scenery across the country, but they are also creating hidden dangers. The tragedies at Solihull made it clear that the thickness of ice can be treacherous and the consequences of falling into freezing water can be fatal.

“Children should enjoy the snow and cold weather, but safely and under adult supervision. No one wants the tragedy to be repeated in the West Midlands – especially so close to Christmas.”

The Royal Life Saving Society UK has issued a set of guidelines for children and adults as the country experiences its coldest period of winter on record:

– Children should definitely not go on the ice

– Stay away from the edges of water, as uneven terrain can make slips and falls more likely

– Stay away from water on well-lit trails whenever possible

– Keep dogs on a leash near the ice and do not throw sticks or toys on the ice

– If a pet falls in, don’t go on the ice or in the water to save them, but move somewhere where the dog can climb out.

Angus Maitland, Chief Operating Officer for the North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Peterborough City Hospital and Hinchingbrooke Hospital, said: “We’ve had an exceptionally busy weekend in the Emergency Department at Peterborough City Hospital. Winter is always a challenging time for healthcare providers as respiratory illnesses are more common and the very cold weather can exacerbate accidents and other ailments.

“Our advice to anyone requiring treatment is to think carefully about the most appropriate environment before visiting our hospital. The Emergency Department is intended only for those requiring urgent and emergency care, and patients are triaged and screened according to the severity of their clinical needs.

“For minor illnesses and injuries please contact your GP first or call NHS 111. If you are advised that you need to be seen at the Urgent Treatment Center, an appointment can be made for you. This reduces waiting times and crowds in our waiting areas.”

Figures from NHS Digital show that the worst hour of the week to visit A&E at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust in the year to March was between 00:00 and 01:00 on Tuesdays.

Patients waited an average of seven hours and 16 minutes before being admitted, transferred to another location, or discharged from the hospital.

Meanwhile, wait times were shortest on Thursdays between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., when patients waited an average of three hours and three minutes.

Of the seven days of the week, Monday was the worst day overall for an emergency room visit at Peterborough and Stamford hospitals, with patients waiting an average of five hours and three minutes, while Thursday was the best, with the average wait falling to four hours sank and 37 minutes.

Monday recorded the highest average number of patients attending over the year, while Saturday was the lowest.