Warnings across the North East have been made to young people about the extreme danger of frozen water in the wake of the Solihull tragedy which has seen three boys die after falling into a frozen lake at Babbs Mill Park, Kingshurst, on Sunday

Emergency services, MPs and campaigners have all added their voice to the extreme dangers of cold water deaths, amid the tragic news that three boys, aged eight, 10 and 11 died had after being pulled from the frozen lake.

A fourth boy, aged six, remains in critical condition in hospital after a huge rescue operation from emergency services who remain at the scene hoping to confirm that nobody else went missing or was trapped beneath the ice.

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Since the tragedy in the west midlands, heartfelt tributes and words of caution have been issued, including here in the North East. 

City of Durham MP Mary Kelly Foy has told The Northern Echo that "I don’t want to see any repeat of this loss of young life, in the City of Durham, or elsewhere," as she looks to warn young people of the dangers of cold water and going near watercou8rses that are frozen. 

She said: “These tragic deaths serve as a distressing reminder of the dangers of cold weather.

"Snow undoubtedly brings with it much excitement, particularly for children, but it also brings hazards and risks that can be forgotten when having fun.

"Every year warnings are issued by emergency services and Local Authorities to warn of the dangers of snow and ice but this tragedy suggests we need to see more campaigns and education to highlight these hazards, particularly to children and young people.

She added: "I am grateful to the first responders who found themselves faced with a desperate situation - but we must also recognise that we have a personal responsibility to not put ourselves, or others, at unnecessary risk.

"I don’t want to see any repeat of this loss of young life, in the City of Durham, or elsewhere. Let’s ensure we spread a simple message to avoid a recurrence of the Solihull tragedy – stay away from frozen areas of water, and if you see anyone in difficulty ring 999 immediately."

Across the region, it wasn't just MPs with the cautious approach to watercourse safety, the emergency services have also paid tribute to the victims of the Solihull tragedy, and warned others of the dangers.

In a statement,​ Michael Pearson, group manager in community risk management for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service has said, “We would like to send out our deepest condolences to the victims and families of those affected by the tragic incident in Solihull yesterday."

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The Northern Echo: The lake at Darlington's South Park remains partly frozen as public bodies in the region stress the dangers of frozen water.The lake at Darlington's South Park remains partly frozen as public bodies in the region stress the dangers of frozen water. (Image: The Northern Echo)

Mr Pearson added: “Our thoughts are also with emergency responders who are continuing their operation at the scene today.

“With temperatures set to remain very cold, many ponds and other stretches of water are at risk of freezing. Whilst they may look solid, they can be extremely dangerous and very unlikely to hold your weight.

“If you are with someone, or a pet that gets into difficulty in the water, don’t put yourself at risk by entering the water. Immediately dial 999.”

Cleveland Fire Brigade also issued a statement to The Northern Echo which emphasised the need for caution.

“The tragic events near Solihull are a stark reminder for everyone to take extra care during the current freezing conditions," said Craig Strike, Head of Prevention and Engagement at Cleveland Fire Brigade.

The Northern Echo: South Park at Darlington. South Park at Darlington. (Image: The Northern Echo)

"Frozen ponds and lakes may be very tempting to walk or play on but please stay well away and do not put yourself or anybody else in danger. Despite appearing safe the ice can break very quickly, which could lead to cold water shock that can seriously affect the ability of even the most confident swimmers to breathe.

"We have a skilled water rescue team should anyone get into difficulty, however at this time of year it is important people consider the risk they are taking, which is putting not only their life at risk, but others who may try to help."

In response to the tragedy, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has re-issued its key ice safety advice if someone falls through ice: 

  • Call the emergency services
  • Do not attempt to go out on to the ice yourself
  • Tell the person to stay still to maintain heat and energy
  • Try finding something which will extend your reach, such as a rope, pole or branch
  • Throw the object out and, once ensuring you are stable on the bank either by lying down or having someone hold on to you, pull them in
  • If you cannot find something to reach with, try finding an object that will float and push that out to them
  • Ensure that you keep off the ice at all times during the rescue, continue to reassure the casualty and keep them talking until help arrives
  • Once the person has been rescued, keep them warm and take them to hospital even if they appear to be unaffected

Elsewhere in the North East, Sunderland councillor Phil Tye, who is chair of the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority, spoke at a meeting on Monday morning where he said: “We have many lakes across the Tyne and Wear area and we are absolutely sending out the message about the importance of not, under any circumstances, going out onto frozen water – lakes, ponds, whatever it may be.”

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