Ice safety

Ice is usually thin, weak and uneven, with hidden depths beneath the surface. Falling through can lead to cold water shock, hypothermia and drowning. Always keep off the ice and follow our safety advice when you are near water in winter.

Ice safety advice

• Keep away from edges and banks – they may be unstable, slippery, or hidden under snow and leaves.

• Use well-lit, designated paths.

• Keep children and pets close; dogs are safest on leads.

• Never go onto the ice or into the water after a pet or person.

• Let someone know your planned route and expected arrival time.

• Keep your phone charged and accessible so you can call for help.

Shout, Reach, Throw, Don’t Go

If you see someone in trouble in the water:

• Call 999 and ask for the Fire and Rescue Service.

  Give a precise location to get them on their way – what3words (what3words /// The simplest way to talk about location) is ideal for providing an exact location, especially in more remote areas.

• SHOUT – Shout to the person in the water.

  Get them to stay calm, lie on their back in a starfish position – float to live. Ask them to try to stand up or swim towards you if possible.

• REACH – Try to reach the person in the water.

  Find something long and detachable, like a pole or a branch. Lie down or crouch, using the stick to try to reach and pull the person towards you.

  If you feel yourself being pulled in, let go – one person is easier to rescue from the water than two.

  THROW – Throw something that can float to them, for them to keep their head above water.

  Anything that floats will work - a football, a large empty water bottle or an inflatable device. Look around for a throw line.

  If a throw line is available, take an arm’s length line out of the bag and keep hold of the end.

  Hold the bag up in the air, showing the person in the water what you’re about to throw to them.

  Throw the line beyond the casualty. Ask them to grab hold of the line – not the bag. Ask them to put it across their chest like a seat belt and lie on their back.

  Stay down low and, once you have a good grip, pull the person to an area of safety.

  Wait for assistance before trying to lift the casualty from the water.

• DON’T GO – Never enter the water yourself, no matter what. One person is much easier to rescue than two.

  You are not able to see the hidden dangers under the water, and could end up in serious trouble. Make sure 999 is on the way and let us use our specialist equipment and training to conduct the rescue properly.

If you fall through the ice

• If you fall through ice, try to stay calm and shout for help.

• If the ice is strong enough, kick your legs and slide onto it. Then, lie flat and move towards the nearest bank.

• If the ice keeps breaking, push broken ice aside and make your way slowly to the shore.

• Try to control the effects of cold-water shock, such as the gasping reflex. Once your breathing is controlled, shout for help and, if possible, try making your way towards safety.

• If you cannot get out, Float to Live. Lie back and keep your airways clear, push your stomach up and extend your limbs, moving hands and feet to help keep you afloat.

• Once safe, go to hospital immediately for a medical check-up.