Emergency services have warned of the dangers of frozen water after two incidents over the weekend.
Fire crews were called on Friday morning to reports of a 7 month old terrier pup in the frozen lake at Melton Country Park.
Luckily the pup managed to scramble to safety and no action was taken by the fire service.
On Saturday afternoon crews from Melton Mowbray and Southern Fire & Rescue Station attended another incident in the Country Park where a dog had ran on to the frozen water and fallen through the ice unable to get out.
It was reported that people were seen on the town's lake yesterday (Sunday). Photo: NEMM
A Leicestershire Fire & Rescue spokesperson said: "We received a call at 15:13 on 21/01/23 to reports of a dog who had run out onto the lake and fallen through the ice and unable to get out at Melton Country Park.
Upon arrival crews from Melton Station confirmed one dog had fallen through the ice but was not fully submerged. Hose inflation kit using short extension ladder was unsuccessful, and the dog was subsequently rescued by a Technical Rescue crew member using a throw line."
Leicestershire Police have also warned of the dangers after receiving multiple calls on Sunday about people on frozen water.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Leicestershire force said: "A small number of calls for concern have been received after people were seen on frozen water at locations across our force area. Going onto frozen water such as ponds and lakes is extremely dangerous. While the edges may make the frozen water appear safe, it rarely is. As you make your way to the edge, the ice tends to become thinner.
Please be aware of the dangers and do not venture onto frozen bodies of water."
The dangers of frozen water has become more prominent recently following the deaths of four boys from the West Midlands who died after falling through ice on a frozen lake.
Melton Country Park is popular for dogwalkers and visitors but people are being warned to be careful. Photo: NEMM
Finlay Butler, eight, and his younger brother Samuel, six, died, as did their cousin Thomas Stewart, 11, and another boy, Jack Johnson, 10. They were pulled from water at Babbs Mill Park, Kingshurst, in the West Midlands, on 11 December.
West Midlands Police confirmed that all four suffered cardiac arrests after falling into Babbs Mill Lake.
A Leicestershire Fire & Rescue spokesperson added: "Never go on the ice under ANY circumstances. This includes attempting to rescue another person or animal who may have fallen through the ice.
Only use well lit areas. Try to take walks in the daylight but if you must walk in the evening, only use well lit areas and avoid anywhere with water.
Keep away from the edge of the water. Never go close to the edge or lean over to touch the ice. You may over balance or trip and fall in.
Always walk with an adult or a group of friends. Look out for each other and if someone does fall through the ice there will be others around to raise the alarm and get help."
Signs at Melton Country Park say dogs should be kept on leads at all times. Photo: NEMM
Firefighters from Melton Mowbray Fire & Rescue Station have issued advice following the incidents on what to do should you fall through ICE. They said: "Keep calm and shout ‘help’.
Spread your arms across the surface of the ice in front of you. Try to kick your legs and pull yourself out of the water and on to the ice. Lie flat, spreading your weight across the surface and pull yourself to the bank. you may find it easier to roll.
If you cannot climb out, wait for help and keep as still as possible. Keep your head above the water, press your arms by your side and keep your legs together. This will conserve heat. Once you are safe, it is important that you go to hospital immediately for a check-up. Shout for ‘help’ and dial 999 [asking for the fire and rescue service] if you can, do not walk on to the ice to attempt a rescue.
Shout to the person to ‘keep still’ and offer reassurance. If they are close enough, lie down to avoid overbalancing and falling onto the ice, and try to reach them with a tree branch
clothing tied together or anything else which can extend your reach.
Three fire crews attended an incident at Melton Country Park on Saturday afternoon. Photo: NEMM File Photo .
If you cannot reach them, slide something which floats across the ice, such as a plastic bottle or a football, so that they can hold on to it to stay afloat whilst help is on the way. If they are too far away, wait for the emergency services and reassure the casualty from the safety of the bank."
The Fire Service added that if you see someone in danger then to dial 999 and ask for the Fire & Rescue Service.
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