Frozen waters warning

Youngsters and their parents are being warned of the potentially dangerous consequences of playing on frozen lakes or ponds.

The warning comes after officers found a man and two youths playing on frozen water at Balderton Lake, formerly gravel pits, yesterday (Thursday December 9).

The men, aged 14, 16 and 19, were standing on the ice about 20ft from land and were asked by officers to walk off the lake calmly. All three were given words of advice at the side of the lake.

Newark Safer Neighbourhood Inspector Mark Burrell, said: “The recent freezing temperatures have covered numerous lakes, ponds and streams with a layer of ice.

“No matter how safe this appears, youngsters or adults should never venture out onto the ice, which can crack quickly and without warning.

“If a child falls through into the cold water they can become trapped under the ice and unable to break through to the air.”

Firefighters are also urging people not to put themselves at risk, having been called to rescue people at a number of incidents in recent years.

Group Manager Clive Gannon said: “Frozen lakes and ponds are not playgrounds and we’d urge parents to make sure their children know this.

“The water in them is at such a low temperature if people do fall through the ice it is likely they will get into danger very quickly."