Firefighters were called to rescue a dog from an icy pond in Dulwich Park this morning – but despite their efforts the dog sadly died.
According to one eyewitness, there were at least five fire engines present in Dulwich Park this morning at around 10:30 am.
Five firefighters were pictured launching a dinghy into the pond. Despite the rescue attempt, the dog sadly did not make it out alive.
The Fire Brigade have today issued a warning about the dangers posed by icy waters, after receiving dozens of calls in the last week as temperatures in London have plummeted.
Their warning comes after two children had to be rescued from a frozen pond near Whipps Cross Road in Leytonstone yesterday.
Crews were called to two children who were stuck on an island in the middle of an icy pond, unable to make it back to the edge due to melting ice, who were rescued in an inflatable boat.
In the last three days, firefighters have been called to rescue dogs trapped on frozen ponds in Southgate and Romford, as well as two incidents of children stuck on frozen lakes in Enfield and Ham.
Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne has urged the public to “please take extra care and stay off the ice” in the cold temperatures.
“Walking out on to frozen ponds or lakes is extremely dangerous. Never assume that the ice is thick enough to support you. It may look sturdy enough to stand on, but it often isn’t and can be of variable thickness especially as you move away from the edge where the ice is often thinner.
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“If you fall into icy water, the risk of hypothermia is very high and can prove fatal.
“We also see a number of people who put themselves in danger by attempting to rescue pets that have become stranded or trapped, and then they also need to be rescued by the brigade. Dog owners should keep them on a lead and keep a close eye on them.
“Firefighters are trained and have specialist equipment to rescue those who do get stuck on, or in, an icy lake or pond, so if you see a person or an animal in difficulty don’t put yourself at risk by going in after them. Call 999, keep your eye on them and stay off the ice.”
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 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
Wait for the emergency services to arrive
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, 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
