Firefighters have issued an urgent safety plea after a group of children were photographed standing on dangerously thin ice at a popular Birmingham park.
Reckless Behaviour at Blackroot Pool
West Midlands Fire Service shared concerning images taken on Monday, January 5, showing youngsters posing on the frozen surface of Blackroot Pool in Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield. The photographs clearly show the children, some with bicycles, venturing onto the ice despite the obvious risks.
A spokesperson for the brigade told BirminghamLive: "Frozen water is never safe. We’re concerned to see children playing on and near frozen lakes." They emphasised that "while it may look solid, ice can be thin and unpredictable - and it can break without warning."
A Painful History of Tragedy
The warning carries immense weight due to devastating past incidents in the region. The fire service explicitly referenced the tragedy at Babbs Mill Lake in Solihull on Sunday, December 11, 2022, where four young boys lost their lives after falling through ice.
The victims were eight-year-old Finlay Butler, his six-year-old brother Samuel, their 11-year-old cousin Thomas Stewart, and 10-year-old Jack Johnson. In a separate incident last July, 16-year-old Daniel Drewitt died in Powell’s Pool, also within Sutton Park.
Emily Fernandez, Head of Prevention at West Midlands Fire Service, stated: "The loss of four young boys at the frozen Babbs Mill Lake three years ago is still a very real and raw memory for our communities. Our thoughts remain with their families and friends."
Public Reaction and Vital Safety Advice
The images, shared on social media, sparked alarm among residents. One commenter highlighted the rapid physical effects of cold water immersion, noting the body can go into shock within seconds. Another urged parents and schools to reinforce the dangers.
The fire service is directing a clear message to the public. Ms. Fernandez added: "Frozen water can look harmless, but it’s one of the most dangerous winter hazards we face. Please help us to avert another tragedy."
The brigade's crucial safety advice is:
- Keep children and dogs away from frozen water.
- Never step onto ice under any circumstances.
- If a person or animal gets into difficulty, do not enter the water or go onto the ice.
- Call 999 immediately and ask for the fire service.
Officials stress that children may not fully comprehend the risks, making it vital for parents, carers, and teachers to discuss the severe dangers posed by open water, including canals, rivers, and lakes, especially when frozen.
