FOLLOWING the death of three children in Solihull, the Royal Life Saving Society has released safety advice to help keep children and pets safe when near water during the winter.
The RLSS says that children and pets are at particular risk when walking and playing in cold weather and has given its advice to help keep them safe and avoid danger.
It advises to make the most of the daylight by walking during the day whenever possible and sticking to well-lit areas during the evening.
Areas with frozen lakes or ponds can be particularly dangerous, so it is advised that children are warned about the risks of going out onto the ice.
It is recommended that dogs and pets are kept on leads where appropriate and that you should not follow them onto ice or into water if they need rescuing.
The RLSS recommends moving to a space where the pet will be able to climb out and to call them towards you.
If you fall through ice into water, it advises that you try to stay calm and to shout for help.
Spread your arms across the surface of the ice in front of you, where possible, and to kick your legs to back onto the surface if the ice is strong enough.
Once you are back on the ice, lie flat and pull yourself towards the bank.
If the ice is not strong enough to hold you, work your way back to the bank by breaking through it.
If you are unable to climb out, keep as still as possible while waiting for help, keeping your arms by the side and legs together.It is important also to keep your head clear of the water and to stay as calm as possible.
If you have fallen through the ice, always go to hospital for a check-up.
If you see somebody else fall through, shout for assistance and phone the emergency services via 999 or 112 immediately.
Do not walk out onto the ice or climb into the water to attempt a rescue.
Shout to the casualty to keep still and offer reassurance to help them stay calm.
If safe to do so, lie down on the bank to avoid being pulled in and try to reach them using rope, poles, or branches.
If this is impossible, floating items such a empty water bottles or footballs can be pushed towards the casualty to help them keep afloat.
If the casualty is too far away, do not attempt to rescue them and wait for emergency services.
Once somebody has been rescued from the ice, make sure that the ambulance is on its way or that they are receiving medical attention.
Lay the casualty flat, check for normal breathing, and begin resuscitation if necessary.
Prevent the casualty from getting colder by covering them with warm clothing or blankets, and get them under cover or to warm shelter where possible.
Try to warm the casualty up gradually, and do not rub their skin or apply hot water bottles.
Do not undress the casualty until they are in a warm place and do not give casualties alcohol.
For help with discussing winter water safety with children, the RLSS has resources such as booklets and colouring sheets available via: www.rlss.org.uk/winter-water-safety
