IN THE last decade around 20 people have drowned after falling through ice, and as the big freeze continues, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is warning people to stay off frozen waterways.

Sadly, fatalities often occur when people are enjoying themselves in the cold weather. With children still on holiday, parents need to warn them about the dangers while still ensuring they have a good time.

Peter Cornall, RoSPA head of water and leisure safety, said, “As soon as you take a step on to frozen lakes you are risking your life. There is no way of knowing how thick the ice is. If it gives way you have almost no chance of survival in the freezing water.”

Mr Cornall added, “One of the biggest problems is with dog owners whose pets dash across the ice. The pets usually survive but the owners die when they go out to bring them back. Dogs need to be kept on a lead if they are near to frozen water.”