The Dangers Of Thin Ice

The recent cold snap has seen some local ponds freeze over and with temperatures not expected to rise until the weekend a layer of ice is expected to remain on the surfaces - even throughout the day.

Although it may look suitable to walk on at times, the ice can become thin very quickly and it's often difficult to judge the thickness of ice which is likely to be thinner in some places.

A walk through Sunnyhurst Woods is quite stunning currently with snow lying on the ground and crisp, clear mornings, however, walkers are warned against the temptation to walk on the ice which covers the 'duck pond' between the band stand and the kiosk.


Elsewhere there have been stories of children playing on Derwentwater in the Lake District whilst their parents watched on and a 25 year old dog owner who risked his own life to save his pet.

The man was walking his cocker spaniel near Manchester when it became trapped in the middle of a frozen lake.

Mr Greenhalgh, from Langley, was criticized by some people for risking his own life and those of others should he have needed rescuing himself but he defended himself by claiming any dog owner would have done the same.

This story (read more here) had a happy ending but many others don't and parents are advised to warn their children of the dangers of playing on thin ice - regardless of how shallow the water may seem.