Monday 12 December

I was very sad to learn that three young boys died after falling through ice on a pond near Birmingham. The shards left on the ice indicate that it was not even half an inch thick. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and with the members of the emergency services who jeopardised their own safety by jumping into the freezing water to try to save the four that had got into trouble. One did survive, but is still in hospital in a critical condition. Thought will have to be given to the safety message around open water, whether frozen or not.

I will add this personal note. Ice should be at least 4 inches (10 cm) thick for (a number of) people to safely walk or skate on it. In Holland, a 125 mile ice skating race is organised after periods of very cold weather. This Eleven Cities Race will only be held if the ice on the entire route is at least 6 inches (15 cm) thick. The last four editions were held in 1963, 1985, 1986 and 1997, which shows how rarely these conditions are met, and how stringent they are being adhered to. 

The Royal Life Saving Society has issued this advice:

Staying safe near frozen lakes

• Children should not go on the ice under any circumstances
• Stay away from the edge of bodies of water as uneven terrain can make slips and falls more likely
• Whenever possible, stick to well-lit routes away from water
• Keep dogs on a lead when they're near the ice, and don't throw sticks or toys on to the ice
• If a pet falls in, do not go on to the ice nor into the water to rescue them, move somewhere where the dog can climb out and call them to you