A warning has been issued after Nuneaton and Bedworth’s bodies of water have frozen over.
Cllr Brady Hughes, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Health wants to remind residents that snow and icy conditions, especially those that appear frozen are extremely dangerous.
Cllr Hughes said:
“We want to remind you, and your children, to think twice before going anywhere near frozen water, particularly during prolonged cold temperatures.
“Icy water can look solid but is often dangerously thin. Children should never step onto ice and should always stay well back from edges, especially in the dark.
“If something goes wrong, stay calm and shout for help, do not jump in after someone, immediately dial 999 and ask for the fire service.’’
The fire service has stressed that cold water shock can affect anyone, regardless of age or swimming ability, and can quickly lead to loss of control, exhaustion and drowning.
It has issued advice for anyone who faces an emergency. What to do if you fall through ice:
- Stay calm and shout for help
- Spread your arms out across the surface of the ice in front of you
- First check if the ice is strong enough. If it is, then kick your legs to propel yourself forward
- Lie flat and use your arms to pull yourself over the ice towards the shore
- If the ice on the water breaks, try to make your way to the bank or shore, breaking ice in front of you as you go
- If you find yourself stuck and unable to escape, wait for help. Stay as still as possible to conserve your energy. Bring your arms close to your sides and keep your legs together, while keeping your head out of the water.
The Met Office issues regular weather warnings