Scottish Fire and Rescue has warned people not to play on frozen ponds this winter – no matter how tempting or secure they may look.
Kenneth Malcolm posted a video of people playing ice hockey on Swannie Ponds in Dundee on Monday while Twitter user Craig Wilson posted these pictures online:
@LucyWeather @metoffice @STVDundee @dundeecity @courier_dundee Pond frozen and guys playing ice hockey. Brrr pic.twitter.com/b1I1dhkbc2
— craig wilson (@wullie1977) December 29, 2014
The last time ice hockey was played on Swannie Ponds was during the big freeze of 2010.
However, Scottish Fire and Rescue warned that it is too dangerous to play on frozen water, no matter how thick the ice appears.
A spokeswoman said: “We would advise all members of the public to be aware of the dangers of thin ice during the winter season.
“There are dangers of walking on frozen lakes and waterways when temperatures stay around freezing, so please take extra care and keep away from frozen water during the cold snap.
“Dog owners must be careful around frozen water and not throw sticks or balls onto ice. Should a dog go onto the ice and get into difficulty don’t attempt to carry out a rescue.”
Fire crews in Angus had to rescue a dog from Keptie Pond in Arbroath earlier this month after it fell through ice.
The spokeswoman added: “While frozen water might look like a tempting ice rink or an attractive playground, venturing onto it is highly dangerous and potentially life-threatening should the ice give way.
“The hazards are drowning, asphyxia and hypothermia. If the ice gives way then it can trap you, and in freezing temperatures hypothermia sets in very quickly.
“Even where the ice looks stable, people should never risk stepping on it as there is no way of knowing just how thick or stable any ice is or whether it is strong enough to take weight.
“Parents in particular should ensure their children are aware of how dangerous playing on frozen water can be and never leave youngsters unsupervised near frozen ponds, rivers and lakes.”