Bucks fire and rescue are reminding us how dangerous it is being near freezing rivers and ponds
after a 14 year old boy ended up in icy water near Bridge Street in Buckingham on Wednesday afternoon.
Fortunately the boy was out of the pond when they arrived and the firefighters offered emergency care and supplied a thermal blanket.
we are reminded that the ice may have thawed, but outdoor water temperatures will remain freezing, so stay safe if you are around any outdoor water sources.
If you, or someone you are with, slips or finds themselves immersed, be aware of the risk of cold water shock, or potential for hypothermia, and how to deal with them to minimise the risk.
If you witness somebody falling through ice, never venture on to the frozen water, no matter how safe it looks.
- CALL the emergency services on 999
- SHOUT for assistance
- REACH. If it is safe to do so, try and reach them from the bank using a rope, pole, tree branch.
- When reaching from the bank, lie down to avoid being pulled onto the ice
- If you cannot reach them, slide something which floats, such as a plastic bottle or football, across the ice for them to hold onto to stay afloat whilst help is on the way
- If the casualty is too far away, do not attempt to rescue them. Wait for the emergency services while calming and reassuring the casualty.
Dog owners
- Stay clear of frozen water on your dog walks.
- Don’t throw sticks or balls on to the frozen water.
- Don’t go onto ice or into the water to rescue a dog, move to somewhere that the dog will be able to climb out and call them towards you.
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