Irish Water Safety (IWS) has reiterated its warning about the dangers of walking or skating on lakes, following reports of such activity in across the State.
"It is putting others at risk as well as people themselves, as it is very difficult to rescue someone in that situation." IWS chief executive John Leech said.
He said his organisation had had reports of quad bikes and motorbikes being driven on inland lakes. "You need a minimum of 15cm of ice for a lake to be safe, and sub-zero temperatures - which we do not have during the daytime," he warned.
Children are especially at risk as they are attracted to playing on ice, IWS says. Constant supervision is the key to keeping children off the ice.
It has issued the following ice rescue tips for those who find themselves faced with responding to such an emergency. IWS recommends:
1. Carry your mobile - Call for assistance from the emergency services;
2. Do not attempt to go out onto the ice yourself to effect a rescue;
3. Instruct the casualty to keep still to maintain their heat and energy;
4. Try to find something close by that will extend your reach such as a ringbuoy, rope, pole, branch or items of clothing. Throw this to the casualty. Then make sure you are stable on the bank by lying down or getting someone to hold onto you and attempt to pull the casualty from the water.
5. If you cannot find something with which to perform a reach or throw rescue, try to find something that will float to throw or push out to them. This will help keep the casualty afloat until assistance arrives
6. Throughout your rescue keep off the ice, and continue to reassure the casualty, keeping them talking until help arrives
7. All casualties should be taken to hospital even if they appear to be unaffected by their ordeal as they will be suffering from hypothermia.
