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   13 incidents plus 8 pets stuck - keep off the ice, say GM Fire
by Mark Bright GM Fire and Rescue, whose Eccles team operate one of their two specialist water incident units, are again warning people off the icy canals and ponds across Salford. With the current cold weather conditions continuing, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are again highlighting the extreme dangers of ice and open water. People have been witnessed playing and skating on ice, and so far during this current cold period (measured as 20th December to 4th January 2010) the Fire and Rescue Service have responded to a total of 13 incidents across Greater Manchester, each requiring a specialist water incident unit. This includes responding to a total of 4 people requiring rescuing after becoming stranded and 8 pet dogs that had become stuck whilst being out with their owners. On each occasion an emergency response was made by the Fire and Rescue Service water incident unit using specialist rescue equipment. County Fire Officer Steve McGuirk said “It is an almost inevitable fact that a spate of cold weather usually means we will find ourselves attending incidents involving someone who has got into difficulty whilst playing on or near a frozen pond or waterway. It may seem attractive to people but it is all too easy for them to get into trouble”. He added: "Venturing onto frozen ponds, lakes and canals is extremely dangerous; falling through the ice can so easily have fatal results. Children are particularly at risk, and parents and guardians are asked to remind them of the dangers!" Pets are also likely to become stranded if not kept under close control; this often leads to people risking their own lives to reach them. GM Fire ask you to please remember the following advice! - Do not go onto ice-covered lakes, ponds or rivers – it’s not safe! (In the event of entering icy water hypothermia can set in very quickly reducing the ability to get out safely). - The ice closest to the bank may appear to be thick but it becomes thinner towards the middle. - If a dog or another animal falls through the ice, do not go to its rescue, if the ice did not support the animal it will not take your weight! - Do not become a victim; always call the Emergency Services on 999. - If you do see a person or animal in difficulties call 999 and direct the Emergency Services on their arrival. Photo: Icelocked canal boats at Monton Due to problems with spam only SalfordOnline members can now leave comments. Becoming a member of SalfordOnline only takes a minute, just hit the red Join Us button at the top right hand side of the page to create your Personal account. Got a news story? Need help with publicity for an event in Salford? Send it to newsdesk@salfordonline.com or call the SalfordOnline newsdesk on 0161 789 5377. |
