Police’s plea after young people spotted playing on frozen lake
Police have issued an appeal to the public after a group of young people were seen playing on a frozen lake in Accrington.
Hyndburn Police said they had received reports of young people walking and playing at Platts Lodge.
Police are now highlighting the dangers of frozen water and urging the public to stay away from open water.
This warning follows the Solihull Lake tragedy in which four children aged eight, six, 10 and 11 died on Sunday (December 11) after falling from an icy lake at Babbs Mill Park, near Solihull had been drawn.
A police spokesman said: “We have been made aware of a group of young people walking and playing on a frozen lake at Platts Lodge – we want to highlight how dangerous playing near or on frozen water really is…
“This comes after the tragic loss of life in Solihull over the weekend – our thoughts are with all those affected by this terrible tragedy.
“You can’t tell how thick the ice is, so there’s a big risk of falling through.
Falling into water can cause cold water shock, affecting your muscles, nerves and brain power, making it almost impossible to get to safety or even ask for help – unconsciousness can result in death.
It is not the first time this week that Lancashire Police have issued a statement.
Blackpool Police issued an alert on Tuesday (December 13) after being made aware of a group of young people walking and playing on a frozen lake in Stanley Park.
A dog was also rescued from Foulridge Reservoir on Tuesday after falling into the icy water.
Police are asking the public to read the following advice:
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.
Do not walk or climb onto the ice to attempt a rescue.
Call the injured person to “keep still” and reassure them to keep them calm.
Try to reach them from shore with a rope, pole, branch, clothing tied together, or anything else that can extend your reach.
Lie down when grabbing from the bank to avoid being dragged onto the ice – this distributes your weight more evenly.
If you can’t reach them, push something that floats, like a plastic bottle or soccer ball, across the ice so they can hold on to stay afloat while help is on the way.
Keep dogs on a leash when near the ice and do not throw sticks or toys on the ice.
If a pet falls in, don’t go into the ice or water to save them, but move somewhere the dog can climb out and call them to you.
In an emergency, dial 999.
