Police have repeated warnings for people to stay away from frozen bodies of water in the North East in the wake of last weekend’s tragedy in the West Midlands.
It follows further reports of young people risking their safety on frozen lakes and ponds in the region amid the continuing cold snap.
Cleveland Police said it was called to four reports of youths playing on the frozen lake in the park at Hemlington, Middlesbrough, yesterday (Friday December 16).
It comes only after a dog died after falling through the ice into the icy waters at the lake.
Although there were no reports of any untoward incidents involving the youths seen on the lake, officers are repeating the warning to youths of the dangers of playing near, or on frozen water.
Read more: North East fire chiefs warning after children spotted on ice
They are asking all members of the public to keep away from Hemlington Lake and for parents to warn their children of the dangers of playing near, or on frozen water.
A force spokesman said: “There is no way to tell how thick the ice is.
“There is a huge risk of falling through and the consequences can be tragic.”
It follows the tragic events of last Sunday at Babbs Mill Nature Reserve in Solihull, in the West Midlands, where, now, four boys have died after falling into an ice-covered lake.
A six-year-old boy became the fourth fatality on Wednesday having lost his fight for life in intensive care in hospital.
It follows the deaths of his eight-year-old brother and other boys aged ten and 11 after plunging through the ice into the sub-zero waters of the lake last Sunday.
Read more: Solihull: Boy, 6, becomes fourth child to die in frozen lake tragedy
Earlier this week Tyne and Wear fire chiefs urged parents to have “serious conversations” with their children after reports of people trying to walk on frozen stretches of water, just days after the Solihull tragedy.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) described it as, “a tragic reminder”, of the dangers of walking on ice.
Despite pleas for people to learn from the devastating events in Solihull, they revealed they have received information of children putting their lives at risk.
Reports were received of children walking on ice at Killingworth Lake and Marsden Quarry in North Tyneside, Saltwell Park in Gateshead and Paddy Freeman’s Park in Newcastle.
No-one was said to have fallen through the ice at those locations but, with sub-zero temperatures expected to continue this weekend, the fire service once again called on support of parents.
In one of the photographs issued, taken at Paddy Freeman’s Park in Newcastle, footprints can clearly be seen in the snow on top of the frozen lake.
Station Manager, Jonathan Ramanayake, the Safety and Education Manager for TWFRS, said they would be emphasising their messaging with schools across the region, but it was imperative communities also showed their support.
He said: “What has unfolded in Solihull is every parent’s worst nightmare and our thoughts remain with everyone affected by the tragedy.
“With that in mind, it is shocking for us to hear that children here in Tyne and Wear have continued to walk on frozen stretches of water.
“Some of the locations are not dissimilar to the lake where the tragedy in Solihull took place and those involved are putting their lives at risk.
“We are speaking with schools across the region but we need communities to support our messaging. Speak with your children, talk to your neighbours and if you see someone behaving in this way please speak up.
“If you do see someone fall through the ice, please don’t enter the water yourself.”
He said people should ring 999, ask for the fire and rescue service, and first responders should reach the scene as quickly as possible.
Mr Ramanayake said: “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.”
TWFRS have also raised concerns about other stretches of water in the region that have frozen over and may see children or adults attempt to walk onto the ice.
They include Barnes Park, Hetton Lyons Country Park and Silksworth Country Park. All of those locations are in Sunderland.
Top tips from TWFRS around water safety include:
• Never go on the ice under ANY circumstances. This includes attempting to rescue another person or animal who may have fallen through the ice.
• Only use well lit areas. Try to take walks in the daylight but if you must walk in the evening, only use well lit areas and avoid anywhere with water.
• Keep away from the edge of the water. Never go close to the edge or lean over to touch the ice. You may over balance or trip and fall in.
• Always walk with an adult or a group of friends. Look out for each other and if someone does fall through the ice there will be others around to raise the alarm and get help.
What to do if you fall through the ice: • Keep calm and shout ‘help’.
• Spread your arms across the surface of the ice in front of you.
• Try to kick your legs and pull yourself out of the water and on to the ice.
• Lie flat, spreading your weight across the surface and pull yourself to the bank. you may find it easier to roll.
• If you cannot climb out, wait for help and keep as still as possible.
• Keep your head above the water, press your arms by your side and keep your legs together. This will conserve heat.
• Once you are safe, it is important that you go to hospital immediately for a check-up.
Read next:
Solihull lake tragedy: Family pays tribute to 'our beautiful boys'
Solihull lake deaths: North East youngsters urged to avoid icy water
Babbs Mill Park: Boy, 6, dies after falling into Solihull lake
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What to do if you see someone fall through the ice:
• Shout for ‘help’ and dial 999 [asking for the fire and rescue service] if you can, do not walk on to the ice to attempt a rescue • Shout to the person to ‘keep still’ and offer reassurance.
• If they are close enough, lie down to avoid overbalancing and falling onto the ice, and try to reach them with a tree branch clothing tied together or anything else which can extend your reach.
• If you cannot reach them, slide something which floats across the ice, such as a plastic bottle or a football, so that they can hold on to it to stay afloat whilst help is on the way.
• If they are too far away, wait for the emergency services and reassure the
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