3 February 2012

Firefighters are urging people to take extra care near frozen waterways following an incident at Burnham Beeches this morning. They were called after a dog fell through the ice into a lake shortly after 9am.

The rescue boat from Beaconsfield was initially mobilised, but it was turned back a few minutes later when a message was received to say that the dog was out of the lake.

Firefighters from Gerrards Cross attended the incident and gave safety advice to the owner. They also left a blanket to help keep the dog warm.

Chris Bailey, Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service’s community safety manager, said: “There are extra hazards to look out for at this time of year, and we are urging people to keep their dogs on leads near frozen waterways.”

He offered the following advice:

• Keep away from the water’s edge and under no circumstances go on to the ice.
  
  
• Be extra vigilant with young children close to the water’s edge.
  
  
• Keep your dog under control near frozen water.
  
  
• If you see an incident on the ice, call the emergency services straight away. Do not attempt to go out on to the ice yourself. Rescues of this kind are by no means easy - even for firefighters, who are properly trained and equipped to deal with them.
  
  
• Wear warm clothing and sturdy footwear.