Youngsters have been spotted on the ice of a frozen Tyneside lake despite urgent warnings following the Solihull tragedy.
Pictures taken by an eyewitness show what appears to be a group on top of the ice on Killingworth Lake in sub-zero temperatures on Thursday (December 15) even following repeated warnings from fire chiefs about the dangers of such activities.
The alerts came after the horrific events in Solihull in the West Midlands when four children fell through ice after reportedly walking on a frozen over lake and were later confirmed to have lost their lives.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) previously offered their condolences to those involved and said it was a “tragic reminder” of the dangers of walking on ice.
But despite their pleas for people to learn from the devastating events in Solihull, it appears that there are still incidents of children putting their lives at risk in the North East.
The images at Killingworth Lake include one that shows a group gathered, with another showing one individual appearing to have a snowball in his hand. A further image shows a male who has sat down or rested on the ice as others look on.
This week there have also been reports of children walking on at Marsden Quarry in North Tyneside, Saltwell Park in Gateshead and Paddy Freeman’s Park in Newcastle.
Thankfully nobody has been reported to have fallen through ice at these locations but, with freezing temperatures expected to continue into the weekend, fire chiefs have once again called on support of parents.
Station manager, Jonathan Ramanayake, the safety and education manager for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said they would be emphasising their messaging with schools across the region but that it was imperative communities also show their support.
Mr Ramanayake, said: “What has unfolded in Solihull is every parent’s worst nightmare and our thoughts remain with everyone affected by the tragedy.
“With that in mind, it is shocking for us to hear that children here in Tyne and Wear have continued to walk on frozen stretches of water.
“Some of the locations are not dissimilar to the lake where the tragedy in Solihull took place and those involved are putting their lives at risk.
“We are speaking with schools across the region but we need communities to support our messaging. Speak with your children, talk to your neighbours and if you see someone behaving in this way please speak up.
“If you do see someone fall through the ice, please don’t enter the water yourself. Call 999, ask for the fire and rescue service, and first responders will be there as quickly as possible.
“While you wait for emergency services, stay on dry land and try and reach the person in trouble with a branch or long item they can grab on to.
“If you fall in the water, and cannot get out, then shout for help and try to stay calm. If you stay still you will conserve heat and that could be crucial in those moments before we arrive to help.”
North Tyneside Council also reiterated the need for people to heed the advice given by the fire service.
A spokesman said: "We are deeply saddened by the recent incident at Solihull, our thoughts are with all those affected by this terrible news.
"When it comes to water safety, we would always reiterate the safety advice issued by the Fire and Rescue Service.
"Frozen water is impossible to gauge how thick it is, and this thickness will fluctuate as temperatures change. Do not risk your life by walking on frozen open water, it's better to be safe than be sorry.
"The council works closely with partners to share safety in winter information, which includes water safety, with schoolchildren, and our park wardens are educating people who visit our parks with open water areas on the dangers of frozen open water."
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