Scots have been reminded that going on ice can be fatal after several people had to be rescued from frozen ponds.
People across the country have been taking to popular tourists spots and public parks to take advantage of the icy weather, with many skating and playing on top of frozen ponds.
But several outings have ended with children and animals having to be pulled from the cold water after falling in.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is today warning Scots that ice can be fatal.
It comes after two rescues made near The Kelpies, one in Queen’s Park, Glasgow, and another on Eliburn Reservoir, Livingston.
READ MORE: Glasgow boy falls through ice as police clear pond
“While ice can look and feel solid, it can suddenly crack and cause a person to fall through, and potentially become trapped under the ice," explained SFRS deputy assistant chief officer Alasdair Perry.
“We strongly advise against walking or playing on any iced-up waterways and always ensure that children are kept away from any iced over ponds or rivers.
“If they do get into trouble on the ice, do not venture onto the ice yourself to attempt a rescue - dial 999.
"The ice may look solid, but it is not worth the risk to step out on to it."
The low temperature of the water can also bring on cold-water shock, which can be potentially deadly.
According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, more than 50% of all drowning cases involving ice in the UK involved the attempted rescue of another person or a pet.
The SFRS has also advised that “if someone can’t climb out of the water, it is not advisable, as many people think, to move about in the water to keep warm while waiting for help. Instead, they should conserve their energy by keeping as still as possible.”
Michael Avril, Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s regional water safety lead for Scotland, said: “Walking on ice is extremely risky and unpredictable and the RNLI advise that you avoid doing this. If you do fall through, the freezing water temperatures can bring on cold water shock.
“If you find yourself or someone else in trouble, dial 999 and ask for the fire service immediately. Do not attempt to rescue anyone yourself.”
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