With the Met Office forecasting below zero temperatures to continue over the weekend, NI Water is reminding people to stay safe if visiting its outdoor sites particularly its reservoirs.
NI Water says iced-over and frozen reservoirs and dams can be a dangerous attraction, particularly for children and pets. They are therefore reminding the public to not be tempted to stray on to any ice.
Naimh McElroy, NI Water’s reservoir safety manager, says: “A refreshing walk on a crisp cold day can be very enjoyable but if temperatures dip and open water freezes over you must be aware of the dangers and know how to keep yourself safe.
“People, particularly children, assume the ice is thick enough to play on and walk or skate over however it is not. Ice can be thin in places and as we draw off water for production, the water level will drop away from the ice layer. This combination heightens the risk of someone falling through the ice into the freezing water. If this happened, there is a very real risk of someone drowning.
“NI Water needs the public to maintain safety and to please ensure children are warned about the dangers of playing on ice. We are asking adults to act responsibility around watercourses and asking parents to keep their children safe. Stay a safe distance from water edges because accidents can happen and without extra care you could slip and fall in.
“Dog owners also need to remember to keep four legged friends on a lead if they are being walked near reservoirs and other bodies of open water.”
Naimh also advised on the vulnerabilities of remote locations: “Many of our sites are some distance from towns, villages and main roads, and often have poor mobile phone reception due to their location. This remoteness could hamper or delay rescue attempts if anyone gets into trouble – if there is any severe winter weather, those delays could be even longer.
‘‘As winter continues it is very important that everyone takes heed of the warnings and stays safe around NI Water sites. Don’t take the risk; play safe and stay safe.’’