Cheshire police warn public not to walk on frozen water during cold snap

Jan 6 2011 Chester Chronicle

Cheshire police warn public not to walk on frozen water during cold snap

POLICE have issued a warning after youngsters were captured on camera larking around on the frozen River Dee during the recent cold snap.

Reader Wil Wilson, of Hoole, sent in this picture of children standing on top of the river by Sandy Lane.

Cheshire Constabulary spokeswomen Shelley Williams said: “We strongly advise against venturing out onto the ice as you may be risking your life.

“Whilst the frozen river may appear very inviting and fun, it presents a significant danger as there is no way of knowing just how thick or stable the ice is.

“Should the ice collapse and you find yourself in freezing cold water, chances of survival are extremely slim and inevitably you are risking the lives of others who may try and rescue you.

“We urge people to stick to paths and keep well clear of the water’s edge and to keep dogs on a lead near the frozen river.”

The River Dee famously froze in 1963 and again in the 1980s. There are also pictures of a frozen Dee taken by The Groves in February 1929. The Dee had frozen to this extent in 1895 and in 1917. Three young men drowned after falling through the ice when River Dee froze way back in 1599.