Firefighters warn against people walking on thin ice

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Firefighters are warning people not to be fooled into thinking it is safe to walk on frozen lakes and waterways.

Nor should they attempt a rescue of people or dogs who have fallen through the ice - dial 999 and call the Fire and Rescue service.

“Without the right equipment and right clothing people can die in icy water in minutes. The shock of the cold cannot be underestimated,” explained Bedford Fire Station Watch Commander Jason Tai,

“Our firefighters on the other hand have access to specialist clothing, such as dry suits that offer insulation. They also have professional training and top class equipment for working in water - including an inflatable rescue walkway that spreads a person’s weight over the surface to minimise the risk of them being submerged. The paths are 5m long and blown up using air from a cylinder. They are like stepping stones allowing fire and rescue crews to make their way out to a person or animal.”

Jason is based at Bedford Fire Station which also houses a boat for water rescues. Firecrews at all stations in Bedfordshire and Luton are equipped with dry suits for rescues in and around the water - one of the first FRSs in the country to be so well prepared.

There have been a number of national stories of people having narrow escapes or coming to grief in the recent cold weather, and some highly misleading TV scenes, of people falling through ice and swimming around and then getting out alive - a very unlikely scenario.

Locally BLFRS has had a few calls this season from people who have fallen knee deep in the ice and managed to make their way free - very lucky escapes.

With regard to animal rescues, Watch Commander Tai added:

“If we arrive at a scene and find members of the public have attempted a rescue and got themselves into trouble, the rescue scenario becomes far more complex - adding to the risk for everyone - including any animal involved.
“We know how heartbreaking to see an animal in trouble, and how tempting it is to try to help, but please do not put your own life at risk by going on to the ice - dial 999.”