RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

February 24 , 2005
ICE AND SNOW BRING FEARS FOR WALKERS AND SLEDGERS

With much of the UK gripped by snow and ice, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is warning people to stay off frozen waterways and to take care when sledging.

Almost every time there is a big freeze someone dies falling through ice on lakes, ponds, reservoirs or canals. And there has already been one sledging fatality this week.

Peter Cornall, RoSPA Head of Water and Leisure Safety, said: “We are extremely concerned that with schools closed and the weekend approaching fun in the snow could turn to tragedy.

“People can enjoy themselves quite safely, if they take a few simple precautions.

“It is vital that people do not step out on to frozen waterways. They should not even test the thickness of the ice with their toes. The ice may look inviting to children who want to try skating, but as soon as you take a step onto a frozen lake you are risking your life. There is no way of knowing how thick the ice is. If it gives way, you have almost no chance of survival in the freezing water.

“One of the biggest problems is with dog owners whose pets run across the ice. The pets usually survive, but the owners die when they go out to try to fetch them back. Dogs need to be kept on a lead if they are near to frozen water.”

RoSPA’s tips for safe sledging are:

· Never travel head-first
· Choose a safe place to sledge with deep snow and no obstructions such as trees or stones
· Do not sledge near roads or pavements or near water, whether frozen or not
· Make sure you have plenty of room at the end of the run to slow down and stop
· Only go sledging in daylight
· Wear suitable clothing – skateboard helmets and pads double up well for tobogganing

People responsible for areas of water to which the public have access, and which are susceptible to freezing over, should ensure there are warning signs about ice, increase supervision of the area and use the media to advise of the dangers. Guidance is available in the RoSPA document Safety at Inland Water Sites and at http://www.rospa.com/waterandleisuresafety/factsheets/icesafety.htm