Welcome to Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are warning people of the extreme dangers of being

around ice and open water during the winter

We have experienced severe cold conditions over the last few years

We want to make sure you stay safe

What affects the ice?There are several factors that affect the ice which may make it look thicker than it actually is. They are:

Type, size and depth of water Currents or water flow Chemicals Logs, rock and surface debris• Air temperature

Ice safety

Walking on ice might be:• Tempting• Appear fun• Daring

However frozen water can easily break

Ice dangers – the cold

The temperature of frozen water is a hazard to the human body

Venturing onto frozen ponds, reservoirs, lakes and canals can easily have fatal results

Icy dangers – the cold

Icy water can:• Take your breath away making it hard to breathe• Make your arms and legs numb which means you cannot control them

or swim properly• Lead to hypothermia – a serious reduction in body temperature

Cold water shock

• Leaves you gasping for air• Increases your rate of breathing• Increases your heart rate and pulse

All the factors above may lead to drowning making it dangerous for the emergency services to safely pull you out

Danger to emergency services

If we manage to recover your body from the water, attempts might be made to resuscitate you. However, this is dependant on the length of time you’ve been under water for

Safety advice• Always wear sturdy shoes or boots as

paths could be slippery• Be aware of any ponds, rivers or lakes that

may be frozen• NEVER attempt to walk on what you think

may be solid frozen water

Did you know?

Over 50% of ice related drowning's involve an attempted rescue of a dog

Keep your dog on a lead near frozen water

Safety advice

If a dog or other animal ventures onto the ice, or falls through it, do NOT go to its rescue – you are likely to end up in the freezing water and unable to rescue the animalNEVER throw sticks or balls onto the ice for your dog

Safety advice

If you do see a person in trouble in icy water:

• Stay on the bank and phone 999• If available reach the person with a branch or clothing tied together but STAY

ON THE BANK

Our message is simple – Stay safe, stay off the ice!