A teenager was rescued from a frozen pond in Leytonstone this week after falling through the ice while trying to rescue their dog.
The London Fire Brigade have issued a warning to Londoners to stay off frozen ponds and lakes after the incident at Leyton Flats on 23rd January.
The Brigade arrived at the pond off Whipps Cross Road shortly before 11.30am and found the teenager trapped “quite a way from the shore”.
Thankfully, firefighters were able to use specialist water rescue equipment to bring both the teenager and their pet to safety in under an hour.
An LFB spokesperson said: “Walking out onto 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.
“If you fall into icy water, the risk of hypothermia is very high and can prove fatal.
“We 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.”
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