Solihull lake tragedy sparks urgent safety warning

That death of three boys who tragically died after falling into freezing water in Solihull has sparked national warnings to youngsters across the country not to play on frozen ponds and lakes. Police say they saw teenagers trying to smash a frozen lake with a scooter North Yorkshire On the same day, the boys fell through the ice near Babbs Mill Lake Birmingham on Sunday (December 11).

Officials said the teenagers concerned had received “strong advice” about their “dangerous behavior” after they were spotted on the frozen lake at Rowntree Park in York. And they added that after the shocking incident in Solihull on Sunday afternoon, the youngsters had been given “appropriate advice” to reconsider their “life choices”.

It comes after West Midlands Police confirmed today (Monday December 12) that the three boys involved in the Solihull tragedy, aged eight, ten and eleven, had died in hospital. Superintendent Richard Harris also revealed that his officers had punched through the ice and suffered mild hypothermia in an attempt to save them.

A fourth boy, just six years old, is fighting for his life in hospital, where he is in critical condition. Meanwhile, mourners laid numerous floral tributes and teddy bears at Babbs Mill Lake, where a young girl was seen by witnesses crying, “My brother, my brother!”

It has prompted warnings to youngsters to stay away from frozen water as temperatures drop this month. Parents and guardians have also been urged to supervise their children and warn them of the dangers of playing near cold water.

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said it had been called to an incident this afternoon involving young people “playing on a freezing lake”. The Service tweeted: “Please speak to the young people in your life about the dangers of this – as we saw in the #SolihullLakeTragedy the consequences can be tragic. Take care.”

A post on the GMP Rochdale Facebook page said: “Following some truly tragic news, GMP Rochdale would like to stress the importance of cold water safety. Please ensure children are supervised at all times when near cold water and educate children about the dangers of cold water and its effects.”

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service also issued a warning after children were seen walking across a freezing lake Hampton, Peterborough over the weekend. A spokesman said: “Although frozen ponds and lakes may 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.

“It can quickly lead to panic and hypothermia and eventually drowning. If pets go into icy water, keep yourself out of the water. Immediately call and deploy the fire brigade what3words to share details of your location.”