Claim Today provide Safety Advice after Police Warning after People walking onto Frozen Rivers, Lakes and Canals
Introduction
The BBC news reports and calls about children and adults on frozen water have led to urgent warnings from police forces, as England is gripped with ice warnings.
Recent incidents have been reported in Midlands, Ilford , Hounslow and Liverpool.
How does Ice on Rivers and waterways Freeze?
Lakes and ponds freeze when the temperature of the water drops below the freezing point of water, which is 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius). Rivers can also freeze, although they are less likely to do so because the flowing water prevents the water from getting cold enough for ice to form
There are a few factors that can cause the water in lakes, ponds, and rivers to become colder and freeze:
- Air temperature: When the air temperature drops below the freezing point, it can cause the water to cool down and freeze
- Wind: Strong winds can help to cool the water by blowing away the warmer, insulating layer of air that surrounds the water.
- Sunlight: When the sun is shining, it can help to warm the water and prevent it from freezing.
- Depth: The depth of the water can also affect its ability to freeze. Shallow water is more likely to freeze because it is more susceptible to the cooling effects of the air and wind. Deep water is less likely to freeze because the water at the bottom is warmer and helps to insulate the colder water at the top.
- Salt content: Water with a high salt content has a lower freezing point than fresh water, so it is less likely to freeze. This is why salt is often used to de-ice roads and pavements.
Thin Ice: Danger
Thin ice on lakes can be extremely dangerous because it is not strong enough to support the weight of a person. If someone were to walk or skate on thin ice, it could crack and break, causing the person to fall into the cold water.
Falling into cold water can be very hazardous because the sudden drop in temperature can cause the body to go into shock, which can lead to hypothermia. Hypothermia is a condition that occurs when the body’s temperature drops to a dangerously low level and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
In addition to the risk of falling through the ice, thin ice can also be unstable and unpredictable, making it difficult to walk on safely. It is important to use caution when walking or skating on ice and to be aware of the thickness and strength of the ice.
If you do fall through the ice, it is important to try to get out of the water as quickly as possible and to get to a warm, dry place. If you are unable to get out of the water, try to keep your head above water and try to kick your legs to stay afloat.
What are some of the Causes for people falling through thin Ice
Weight: The weight of a person can affect the stability of the ice. If the ice is thin and the person is heavy, it is more likely to break
Movement: Moving quickly or making sudden movements on the ice can cause it to break. This is especially true if the ice is thin or has already been weakened by other factors, such as the sun or warm temperatures.
Water flow: Water flow can cause the ice to be thinner in some areas, making it more likely to break. This is especially true near inlets, outlets, and other areas where there is a lot of water movement.
Temperature: Warm temperatures can cause the ice to melt, making it weaker and more likely to break.
Age: Older ice is more likely to be weaker and more prone to breaking than newer, freshly frozen ice.
Other factors: There are other factors that can affect the stability of ice, such as snow cover, algae growth, and the presence of cracks or fissures.
It is important to always be cautious when walking or driving on ice, and to avoid going out onto the ice if it is thin or unsafe. If you do fall through the ice, try to remain calm and use your arms to pull yourself out of the water. If you are unable to get out, try to stay with the ice and shout for help.
What happens to a body in Icy Water
If a person falls into icy water, the body will immediately start to lose heat. In cold water, the body can lose heat 25 times faster than in cold air, and the drop in body temperature (hypothermia) can be rapid. The initial shock of falling into the water can also cause the person to inhale water and potentially drown.
As the body continues to lose heat, the person may start to experience symptoms of hypothermia, including shivering, numbness, and difficulty moving. The body’s core temperature may drop to dangerously low levels, leading to unconsciousness and eventually death.
If the person is able to get out of the water, it is important to get them to a warm place and remove any wet clothing as soon as possible. It is also important to warm the person slowly, as warming them too quickly can cause shock. In severe cases of hypothermia, the person may need medical attention.
It is important to remember that falling into icy water can be a life-threatening emergency, and it is always best to avoid going out on the ice, especially if it is thin or unstable. If you do fall through the ice, try to remain calm and call for help as soon as possible.
Avoid going out onto Ice : There is no Safe place on Thin Ice
t is generally not safe to be on thin ice, as it is difficult to determine the strength and thickness of the ice and it can be prone to breaking. If you must go out on thin ice, there are a few precautions you can take to reduce the risk of falling through:
Wear a personal flotation device (PFD) or a life jacket. This can help you stay afloat if you do fall through the ice.
Avoid areas with thin ice or where the ice is melting. These areas are more likely to be unstable and prone to breaking.
Wear ice cleats or other traction devices to help you maintain your balance.
Avoid going out on the ice alone. It is always safer to have someone with you in case of an emergency.
If you do fall through the ice, try to remain calm and keep your head above water. Use your arms to try to pull yourself out of the water and onto the ice. If you are unable to get out, try to keep yourself as still as possible to conserve energy and heat, and call for help.
It is important to remember that the best way to stay safe on thin ice is to avoid it altogether. If you are unsure of the ice conditions, it is always best to err on the side of caution and stay off the ice.
Stay Safe Stay Off Ice!
