iceChildren in Lichfield and Burntwood are being urged to keep off frozen pools.

With weather forecasters predicting that the cold snap could last throughout January, Lichfield District Council is concerned that children will venture out onto iced over water in Lichfield District – especially Chasewater Reservoir, Stowe Pool, Minster Pool and Beacon Park Pool.

The council is not only telling children and young people to stay off the ice, they are also warning local people not to put their lives in danger attempting to rescue pets that may have got into difficulty on the ice.

Councillor Val Richards, Cabinet Member for Leisure Services, said:

“It is estimated that as many as 20 people died last year in the UK after falling through ice into waterways. Playing on or near iced over water is extremely dangerous, especially because the ice is often much thinner than it looks and cannot support much weight.

“At this time of year the water temperature is so cold that if someone falls in they are likely to suffer ‘water shock’, where even the best swimmers would struggle to stay afloat due to the effects of cold water on the body. Children are particularly at risk so we’re asking parents and guardians to remind them of the dangers of playing on ice.”

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