A large-scale rescue operation for a stricken swan trapped on a frozen East Kilbride loch has led to stark warnings on the dangers of icy waters.
Fire and specialist water rescue crews raced to James Hamilton Heritage Park on Thursday evening to save the bird, which was stuck on the frozen pond.
Lanarkshire Live understands the swan had been trapped on the ice for three days before rescuers came to its aid igniting fears that members of the public could have put themselves in harm's way in an attempt to save the bird.
Using specialist rescue equipment, the swan was brought to safety and placed into the care of the SSPCA Lanarkshire.
But the alarming incident sparked widespread concern across the local community following reports earlier that day claiming children had been seen trying to get onto the ice.
Fears surrounding frozen water have been intensified in the wake of this week's fatal tragedy on a frozen lake in England.
Brothers Samuel and Finlay Butler, aged six and eight, their 11-year-old cousin Thomas Stewart and 10 year-old Jack Johnson all died when they fell through the ice into Babbs Mill Lake in the West Midlands on Sunday.
After witnessing kids playing near the frozen loch in East Kilbride, a woman posted on a local community Facebook page: "Just been around the Heritage Park. Two boys around 11-13 years old trying to get onto the ice.
"Parents must warn their children about the dangers playing on the ice especially in the wake of what happened in England a few days ago."
There are now calls for South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) to follow Glasgow City Council's (GCC) lead and break the ice around the region's ponds to stop locals going onto the frozen water.
GCC took such action at Queen's Park pond and the Forth and Clyde Canal after temperatures in the city dropped to -7C.
With an amber weather warning issued by the Met Office today and snow showers expected across Lanarkshire, local police and politicians have issued stark warnings about the dangers of frozen water.
Sgt. Scott Anderson said: "Please stay off open water ice for your own safety this winter - temperatures are set to rise, which means ice will begin to thin and melt."
MSP for Central Scotland, Graham Simpson, who lives in the area said it was "a relief" that no one was harmed during the incident at the James Hamilton Heritage Park and called on the local authority to take action.
He said: “SLC must follow GCC's lead in breaking up ice on lochs in the region to prevent any further problems from arising.
"I would encourage everyone, children and adults, to heed recent advice and not venture out on to the ice for any reason.”
MSP for East Kilbride, Collette Stevenson commented: "After the heartbreaking events in Solihull, it serves as a stark reminder to us all to be cautious near water when the temperature plummets and not take any chances.
"Whilst in this case it was a swan at the James Hamilton Heritage Park Loch, a member of the public could have tried to assist and quickly find themselves in danger.
"The situation here could have become more dangerous very quickly, but thanks to swift action from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) it didn't."
MP Dr Lisa Cameron said it was "vital" that locals do not go onto the ice.
South Lanarkshire Council said the incident is a reminder that frozen water can lead to potential serious risks for people as well as animals.
David Booth, executive director of community and enterprise resources said: “People may think that ice on any frozen water body is safe to walk on, and the council strongly advises against this. The ice could easily give way and lead to people falling into very cold water, with the obvious serious health consequences that can result. The cold can also quickly sap strength and energy while in the water, leading to the person finding difficulty in dealing with the situation.”
A statement from SFRS on yesterday's incident read: “We were alerted at 4.14pm on Thursday (December 15) to reports of a swan stuck on ice at James Hamilton Heritage Park.
"We sent two fire appliances and specialist resources to the area. Firefighters rescued the swan and handed the bird into the care of the SSPCA."
Lanarkshire Live has contacted the Scottish SPCA Lanarkshire for comment.
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