Police have urged people not to play or walk on a frozen pond at a popular visitor centre just days after four children died in the Solihull lake tragedy. South Wales Police warned people not to walk across frozen water at Glyncorrwg Ponds in the Afan Forest Park on Thursday.
In a statement on social media the force said it "would urge everyone to know the dangers associated with frozen water" along with sharing a picture of the frozen ponds at the site, which has a popular visitor centre, campsite and cafe. On Wednesday a six-year-old became the fourth boy to die after falling into a frozen lake in Solihull last Sunday. Police announced the deaths of three other boys aged eight, ten, and 11 on Monday, December 12.
Earlier on Wednesday a Welsh secondary school issued a warning asking pupils not to play on frozen lakes or ponds. Brynmawr Foundation School in Ebbw Vale released a statement warning the community of the danger of playing on frozen surfaces after receiving reports of its pupils playing on the frozen pond in Cwmcelyn.
Read more: Met Office snow warning issued for Wales this weekend
"We know there is a temptation to walk across or play on the frozen water at Glyncorrwg Ponds, Port Talbot, but we would urge everyone to know the dangers associated with frozen water," South Wales Police said.
"The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) UK has issued safety advice to ensure everyone is aware of the dangers and what to do in an emergency." Following Sunday's tragic events Lee Heard, Charity Director at RLSS UK said people should not go onto frozen water under any circumstances.
"Firstly, and most importantly, we would like to send our thoughts to the individuals and families involved with the incident which occurred on December 11," he said. "We know that incidents such as this cause concern in the local community within that area, but also nationally.
“The cold weather we saw at the weekend meant that many bodies of water froze over and created hazardous conditions. We appreciate the temptation to walk across or play on the frozen water but we would like to urge everyone to know what dangers are associated with frozen water.
“Our advice is to never go on to the ice under any circumstances. The ice may appear thicker than it is but please be aware that ice is vulnerable, especially as you move further from the edge. If you were to fall in this can be extremely dangerous due to the cold temperatures of the water and the possibility of currents pushing you under unbroken ice."
Mr Heard said people risked experiencing cold water shock if they fall into frozen water which can make it more difficult for them to bring themselves to safety. "There are three stages that your body goes through during cold water shock, starting with a gasp for breath. This is then followed by rapid breathing. Your blood pressure then shoots up as your body tries to keep your blood warm by moving it towards the middle of your body.
“As your muscles cool, your strength, endurance and muscle control reduces to the point when you cannot swim any longer so you are unable to rescue yourself, which is where the real danger can be seen."
Emergency services rushed to the scene of the lake tragedy in Solihull on Sunday, December 11, Birmingham Live reported at the time. A police officer was reported to have smashed through the ice with their bare hands to get to the young boys but they were later pronounced dead. Flowers, balloons, teddies, toys and cards with heartfelt messages have since been left by the community. There will be a vigil for the victims, affectionately called the “Babbs Mill boys” on Saturday, December 17 at 4pm at the lake.
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