Brigade issues warning to dog walkers about the dangers of icy waters after rescues in Battersea Park

London Fire Brigade has issued a stark reminder to dog walkers about the dangers of icy waters after crews were called to rescue two dogs stranded on a frozen lake in Battersea Park. 

The first call came when a man attempted to rescue his dog, which had become stuck on the ice. The man, too, became trapped on an island in the icy water. Firefighters swiftly deployed an inflatable rescue boat to bring both the man and the dog to safety, where they were treated at the scene. Just hours later, the Brigade responded to a second call about another dog trapped on the frozen lake.  

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "These incidents highlight just how important it is to keep dogs away from frozen ponds, lakes or rivers which can pose a danger. 

"It’s best to walk dogs away from frozen water or keep them on the lead if it’s unavoidable. If your dog ventures onto the ice, never follow them onto it, instead call them to come back to you right away, but if they get stuck call fire and rescue services for help. 

"Owners should never try to risk rescuing their pet as they could get themselves into a dangerous situation. 

"Even if ice appears thick from the bank, it becomes thinner very quickly. Keep away from the edge of open water, especially slippery banks. 

"If you fall in, the temperature of icy water is cold enough to take your breath away, which can easily lead to panic and drowning. The coldness can make your arms and legs numb which means you can’t control them and can’t swim. It can lead to hypothermia – a serious reduction in your body temperature – which can cause heart failure. This happens even to the strongest swimmers." 

The Brigade was called to the first incident at 1121 with three fire engines and two fire rescue units from Lambeth, Battersea, Chelsea, Edmonton, and Bethnal Green fire stations responding. The incident was over for firefighters by 1217. The Brigade was then called to the second incident at 1302, which was resolved by 1315. 

What to do if you fall through ice 

• Keep calm and shout for help 

• Spread your arms across the surface of the ice in front of you 

• If you cannot climb out, keep as still as possible with your head clear of the water and wait for help to arrive 

• If the ice is strong enough kick your legs to slide onto the ice 

• Lie flat on the ice and pull yourself towards the bank 

• Once out of the water roll away to prevent further cracks i.e flat and pull yourself towards the bank 

• Seek medical attention immediately 

What to do if someone else falls through the ice 

• Don’t go onto the ice or into the frozen water if you see a person or animal getting into difficulty 

• Stay on the bank, shout for help and phone 999 

• Shout to the person to keep still, hold their head above water. Offer reassurance to keep them calm 

• If the person is too far away to help them from the safety of the bank, do not attempt to rescue them 

• Try to keep your eyes on the person at all times, especially in moving water 

• Try to find something that will float to throw or push out to them 

• Wait for the emergency services to arrive