08 January 2021
Falkirk Community Trust urges park visitors to beware of frozen water this winter
With the drop in temperatures many of the ponds are freezing across our parks and although it may seem safe, we urge all visitors to avoiding walking on what will in fact be fairly thin ice.
With the drop in temperatures many of the ponds are freezing across our parks and although it may seem safe, we urge all visitors to avoiding walking on what will in fact be fairly thin ice.
In winter, children and pets are particularly at risk when tempted to play on the ice formed on open water, and adults can find themselves at risk in attempting to save them.
As part of your daily exercise during this period of lockdown, taking a nice walk in cold weather with your family, friends or dogs in tow can be really refreshing, just make sure you know some simple tips on how to stay safe in winter.
The Helix Park, Callendar Park, Kinneil and Muiravonside all have areas of water and are beautiful places to visit during the winter months but all too often many people risk their lives by venturing onto frozen water.
Falkirk Community Trust and The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) want everyone to be able to enjoy being in, on or around water, safely.
With the emergency services already stretched, RLSS UK’s useful tips will help you to stay safe and to know what to do in an emergency:
- Teach children not to go onto the ice under any circumstances
- Don’t go onto ice or into the water to rescue a dog, move to somewhere that the dog will be able to climb out and call them towards you
- Keep dogs on their leads when near ice and don’t throw sticks or toys onto the ice
- Time your walks to make the most of the daylight; if you need to walk in the evening only use well-lit areas or take a route not alongside water
- When walking alongside water keep back from the edge
- If you see someone in the water, shout for help and call 999. Try and keep the person calm until help arrives but don’t be tempted to go in and rescue them yourself
RLSS UK’s Director of Charity, Lee Heard said: “Scotland has some of the UK’s most spectacular bodies of water and RLSS UK wants everyone to be able to enjoy being outdoors.
“Sticking to these water safety tips will help to keep you, your friends, family and pets safe, so everyone can enjoy water safely.”
