Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service issue reminder of dangers of frozen lakes after death of three children

Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service have issued a reminder of the dangers of going on frozen lakes after the tragic deaths of three children in Solihull, with the fourth fighting for his life in hospital.

The four young boys fell through Babbs Mill Lake in Kingshurst, after playing on the frozen surface, on Sunday afternoon. It is understood that the ice cracked and gave way, causing the children to fall into the water. An eight-year-old, 10-year-old and 11-year-old tragically died, and a 6-year-old is in critical condition.

Northumberland Chief Fire Officer Paul Hedley, spoke on the tragic events and how to prevent a recurrence of the devastating tragedy. He said: “This is an absolute tragedy and our thoughts go out to the family and friends of those boys, as well as all the services which have been involved with this very difficult rescue effort.”

He added: “While frozen water can look attractive, as events have shown, it can be an extremely dangerous environment and lead to tragic consequences.”

The key advice outlined by Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service is:

• Teach children not to go onto the ice under any circumstances. 

• 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. 

• Keep dogs on their leads when near ice and don’t throw sticks or toys onto the ice. 

• Time your walks to make the most of the daylight; if you need to walk in the evening only use well-lit areas or take a route not alongside water. 

• When walking alongside water keep back from the edge. 

Northumberland and other areas in and around the North East are home to ponds, lakes and rivers, all of which may become iced over due to the current freezing temperatures. People are urged not to go on them, regardless of if they believe they are safe.

For more information on what to do if you fall through ice or see someone else fall, please visit The Royal Life Saving Society website. If you see someone in the water or fall through the ice, call 999 immediately.