Wepre Park’s frozen Rosie fishing pond closed “until further notice” on safety grounds

Wepre Park’s ‘Rosie’ fishing pond has been closed “until further notice” on safety grounds.

With Deeside experiencing sub-zero temperatures, the lake is frozen over and conditions around it are said to be ‘very slippy’.

Parents have been urgently warned to make their children aware of the dangers of frozen lakes and ponds after three children tragically died after falling through ice into a lake.

Three boys – aged eight, 10 and 11 – sadly died after the incident near Birmingham on Sunday afternoon, while another child, aged six, remains in a critical condition.

A spokesperson for Connah’s Quay Angling Club said:

“Due to the Rosie being frozen over and slippery conditions around it, The committee has made the decision to close the pond until further notice on safety grounds.”

“There will be no access to the inner path and the gates will stay locked until the ice has dispersed.”

“Please stay away from any frozen bodies of water!”

“Do not attempt to walk on, break up or fish where any ice which has formed.”

“Do not throw sticks or other items on the ice.”

With icy conditions set to last for several days, neighbouring Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has urged people to stay safe by staying off frozen water.

Safety advice – what do do if you see someone fall through the ice

Never venture onto frozen ponds and lakes, now matter how safe it looks.

If you see someone fall through the ice:

• Shout for assistance and send for the emergency services – call 999 or 112 – it’s a free call from any phone
• Stay off the ice
• Shout to the casualty to keep still
• Try and reach them from the bank using a rope, pole, a tree branch, clothing tied together or anything else that extends your reach
• When reaching for the bank, lie down to avoid being pulled onto the ice
• If you cannot reach them, slide something that floats like a rescue buoy across the ice for them to hold on to stay afloat
• If the casualty is out of reach, wait for the emergency services while calming and reassuring them

After the casualty has been rescued from the ice:

• Make sure the ambulance is on its way
• Lay them flat, check their breathing and pulse and begin resuscitation if necessary
• Prevent them from getting colder by putting them in a sleeping bag or covering them including their head, with blankets or spare clothing
• Get them under shelter out of the cold
• Until the casualty is in a warm place do not undress them
• Do not rub their skin, apply hot water or give an alcoholic drink
• Keep them wrapped up so that they warm up gradually

If you fall through the ice:

• Keep calm and call for help
• If no help is available spread your arms across the surface of the ice
• If the ice is strong enough kick your legs and slide onto the ice
• Lie flat and pull yourself to the bank
• If the ice is very thin, break it in front of you and make your way to the shore
• If you cannot climb out, wait for help keeping as still as possible
• Press your arms by your side and keep your legs together
• Once you are safe, go to hospital immediately for a check up

[Photo: Previous time when the Rosie have frozen over / Facebook]