I saw someone risking their beloved dog’s life on Blackpool’s frozen Stanley Park lake
After Blackpool Police issued a warning against people dangerously risking their lives to walk across frozen Stanley Park lake, the public has responded. By Sumaiya Motara
After police received numerous calls about people dangerously risking their lives to walk across frozen Stanley Park lake, authorities encouraged people who witnessed any such actions to call 999 immediately - but not to attempt a rescue.
Thrill seekers attempting this walk could drown or suffer hypothermia as the ice is “too thin to hold the weight of a human”, said the Police.
This follows the deaths of four boys in December 2022 after they plunged into a frozen lake in Solihull, West Midlands - risking their lives and the lives of first responders who only just got out of the ice in time.
The warning from Blackpool Police has prompted members of the public to complain about risk-takers wasting police time, with Rebecca Carlsson saying people are “taking away resources from other services which may have a genuine emergency”.
Agreeing with this, David Muncaster said: “Any injured parties should pay for the emergency services out of their own pocket.”
Many commenters complained about families allowing their dogs onto the frozen lake, risking the lives of their beloved pets. Jen Moody shockingly saw “a family throwing a ball for their dog onto the lake”.
However, some members of the public criticised the Police for their hard-lined advice, with Anton Morely saying, “you could probably walk across the lake without getting your nose wet”.
Others pointed out the ice is thinner now than it was decades ago.
Stephen Ramsden said: “Years ago when we had hard winters - I am talking 1960s - the ice would be four or five inches thick and you could stand on it. It is dangerous now as it's iced over but only thin and you will go through it.”
This has prompted the public to call for official strategies such as breaking the ice around the edges to stop people getting on, and teaching children ice-safety at schools.
This would prevent risks and fatalities, highlighted by Sharon Wade who said: “Many, many years ago my brother did this. He was very lucky as a man helped him. People need to remember that you don't come up at the same place you went under.
“It is a seriously dangerous thing to do. Do not walk on frozen ponds - you can die.”
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