Ice

With winter comes icy conditions and the increased risks associated with frozen bodies of water.

Water Safety Wales urges everyone to be prepared and cautious, particularly near waterways like canals, rivers, and lakes. The safety messages below provide guidance on keeping yourself, loved ones, and pets safe during the winter months.

What’s the risk?

Cold water shock: Falling into water unexpectedly can trigger a physical reaction that can put you in danger
Slips and falls: Ice can lead to slippery walkways and paths, increasing the chances of falling into bodies of water. Darkness, poor weather, snow and leaves which are all typical during winter can increase this risk.
Rescue attempts: Many ice-related fatalities near water occur when people try to rescue others or pets who have fallen in.
Hypothermia: As well as leading to cold water shock, immersion in cold water can lead to hypothermia.

How to minimise risk:

Stay off the ice

Never walk or play on ice, as it’s impossible to tell if it can bear weight.

Maintain a safe distance from water edges

Snow and leaves can obscure the edge of paths, and icy surfaces increase the risk of slipping into freezing water. Always wear winter footwear with good grip.

Supervise children near water

Keep children away from icy or frozen water areas and do not allow them to venture onto ice.

Keep control of pets

Keep dogs on a lead near ice and avoid throwing sticks or balls onto frozen water. If a pet falls through the ice, follow the safety advice below rather than attempting a direct rescue.

What to do if you see someone in the water

Call for help. Dial 999 and provide as accurate as information as you can.
Stay off the ice. Don’t attempt to go onto the ice yourself, as this puts you at risk.
Make and maintain contact with the person in the water to reassure them that help is on the way.
Look for rescue equipment. There may be a life ring and throw line nearby. Alternatively look for something that could help such as a rope, branch, pole or clothing tied together.
Use the equipment to try to get the person to safety. Do not go onto the ice yourself – ensure you are back from edge and on stable ground.
Assist from a safe distance. If you cannot reach them, slide something which floats to them, such as a plastic bottle or football whilst you wait for the emergency services.
Keep warm. If you are able to get the person out safely, keep them warm until the emergency services arrive. It’s important they get medical help even if they appear unharmed.

For a video talking about this advice, watch RoSPA’s winter water safety guide: RoSPA Ice Safety Video.

What to do if you fall through the ice

Keep calm and call for help
Float on your back until you feel calm, then try to climb out of the ice by spreading your arms across the surface of the ice in front of you and pulling yourself out slowly.

If you cannot climb out, continue to float, remain calm and wait for the emergency services. Keep your head clear of the water.

What to do if your pet falls through the ice

Do not attempt a direct rescue— this could put you at risk. Instead, encourage your dog to swim over to you so that you can lift them out.
Encourage your pet to swim to the shore where you can lift them out safely.
If they cannot reach you, use a branch or pole to reach them without venturing onto the ice.