A regional fire service has issued a reminder around the dangers of frozen water after the tragic death of a pet dog.
Cleveland Fire Brigade attended an incident involving the pet that had fallen through the ice on Hemlington Lake, Middlesbrough, on Thursday.
While attending the incident, firefighters spotted children trying to walk on the ice.
A statement from the fire service read: “Please, please pass on the dangers of this.
“Unfortunately, the dog has sadly passed away and we send our sympathies to the owner(s). This is another stark reminder to reiterate the message to stay well away from frozen ponds and lakes!”
The urgent plea comes after four boys died after being pulled from a frozen lake in Solihull last weekend.
They were pulled from freezing water in Babbs Mill Lake on Sunday and rushed to hospital.
There have been reports of children walking on ice at locations throughout the North East despite several warnings following the tragic incident in the West Midlands.
Thankfully nobody has been reported to have fallen through ice at these locations but, with sub-zero temperatures expected to continue this week, fire chiefs have once again called on support of parents.
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Fire service's warning
- If you do see someone fall through the ice, please don’t enter the water yourself. Call 999, ask for the fire and rescue service, and first responders will be there as quickly as possible.
- While you wait for emergency services, stay on dry land and try and reach the person in trouble with a branch or long item they can grab on to.
- If you fall in the water, and cannot get out, then shout for help and try to stay calm. If you stay still you will conserve heat and that could be crucial in those moments before we arrive to help.
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