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• DaringHowever 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!