Dog rescued from icy lake - firefighters issue safety warning

Firefighters have issued safety advice to dog owners and dog walkers after rescuing a dog from a frozen lake today.

The dog, a 22 kilogram girl called Bella, was out for a walk when she ventured towards an icy lake and fell in.

When crews from Rayleigh Weir and Great Baddow arrived, they were able to rescue her quickly using a float.

Two-year-old Bella was shivering and feeling sorry for herself, but otherwise unhurt.

Watch Manager Kevin Colby from Rayleigh Weir Fire Station said: “During this time of year, rivers and lakes can reach as low as zero and sub zero temperatures so we wouldn’t want anyone venturing into water to rescue a dog. If you are walking your dog and they fall or jump into the water, please do not jump in after them.

“Instead, call 999 - and leave it to us to rescue them safely. It only takes minutes for cold water to kill, we don't want anyone to put themselves at risk."

Stay safe this winter around iced over ponds and lakes:

• DO NOT venture onto the ice - being a good swimmer will NOT save you in freezing conditions, so do not enter the water in any circumstance
• Ensure that children and animals are supervised at all time
• Do not let your dog off the lead or throw balls anywhere near rivers, ponds or lakes
• If a person or animal does fall through the ice into the water call the emergency services immediately, do not attempt to rescue them yourself.

Could you be an on-call firefighter?

Great Baddow Fire Station is recruiting on-call firefighters. If you live or work within 5 minutes of Great Baddow Fire Station, you could be paid to protect your community as an on-call firefighter. Find out more at join.essex-fire.gov.uk/on-call