The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has issued a stark warning amid a spike in dogs getting trapped on frozen lakes. Firefighters added that under no circumstance should anyone get on the ice to save their pet, and instead to call 999.
Taking to X, LFB wrote: “We’ve attended several incidents today where dogs have been trapped on frozen ponds & lakes. Please keep dogs on leads – if your dog ends up on ice, don’t put yourself in danger by going to rescue them yourself.
“Call 999 and stay off the ice.”
The Met Office forecast London to feel like a freezing -3C early this morning (January 10). And it’s going to be a nippy rest of the weekend with things feeling like -2C at 8am tomorrow morning (Sunday, January 12).
The ice on frozen lakes isn’t always as strong as it seems. Keep your dog on a leash when walking near one.
(Image: LFB)
In fact, it’s not until Friday (January 17) where temperatures may – if we’re lucky – hit the 10C mark.
London weather
Today (January 11) Western areas will have largely cloudy and dry conditions, probably avoiding a frost. Further east with clearer skies a widespread frost will develop, and possibly patchy freezing fog. Minimum temperature -3C.
Sunday (January 12) Dry with varying amounts of cloud but also some bright or sunny spells, with any patchy freezing fog gradually clearing. Staying cold again with light winds. Maximum temperature 5C.
Monday (January 13) to Wednesday (January 15)Temperatures gradually rising through this period to reach near average levels by day, while overnight frosts becoming less widespread and less severe. Turning often cloudy but remaining largely dry.
What to do if you fall through ice on a frozen lake
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Stay calm : Try to remain calm and focus on getting out of the water.
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Use your clothing : Use the air trapped in your clothing to float on your stomach.
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Reach out : Reach forward onto the ice without pushing down.
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Kick your legs : Kick your legs to help you get back onto the ice.
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Roll away : Once you’re back on the ice, roll away from the open water.
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Crawl or scoot : Crawl on your stomach or scoot your chest and abdomen onto the ice.
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Don’t stand : Avoid standing up.
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Head for shore : Look for shore and make sure you’re heading in the right direction.
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