Keep off the ice

IN ADDITION to warnings for people to stay off the frozen canals, they are even venturing onto the riskier Broads waters.

Though frozen water seems to have a magical appeal, the Broads Authority today issued a warning to the public not to venture on to the ice and to keep their dogs on leads.

Already there have been two fatalities caused by people falling through ice, yet people are still setting foot on the frozen waters of the Broads, which is especially dangerous.
Steve Birtles, Head of Waterways Strategy and Safety, warned:

"We understand the great temptation to go on the ice but it is very dangerous. The ice varies in thickness, so though it may look thick on the edge there will be areas of thin ice which you won't be able to detect before it is too late. My advice is to admire the view and don't go on to the ice."

Dog walkers

Dog walkers are advised to keep their dogs on leads near frozen water as they may get into difficulties should they fall through thin ice.

Of dogs being allowed on ice, Station Manager Tim Edwards, of Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, also warned:

"Another risk is pets running onto frozen water. Only this week we were called to a pond to a nine months old Golden Labrador which had fallen into a frozen pond and was hanging on to the ice by its paws. Our crews managed to rescue the puppy which was fine. Fortunately the owner was sensible enough not to go after the puppy as the danger comes when people attempt to rescue their pets and get into difficulties themselves."

As Brian Holmes so well stated in his column today, it is not only the people stupid enough to risk their lives by going on to frozen water, but that of those who have to risk theirs—as in the case of the dog—to rescue them.