Warning to dog owners after 'dog clings to ice in frozen waters' at Cleethorpes Boating Lake

-Credit:Cleethorpes Boating Lake
-Credit:Cleethorpes Boating Lake


A local wildlife rescue organisation is urging dog owners to take care after a dog fell into the frozen waters at Cleethorpes Boating Lake over the weekend.

Following the sub-zero temperatures during the last week, the majority of the boating lake is covered in ice - something that can look "quite intriguing" to dogs, according to volunteers from Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue.

Over the weekend, a dog that was walking along the ice fell into a section of the lake that was unfrozen, and had to be rescued. The organisation has since issued advice to dog owners to prevent similar situations from happening.

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In a post to their Facebook page, Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue wrote: "Staff at Cleethorpes Tap House have asked us to share some advice after they witnessed a dog clinging to ice in the frozen waters at Cleethorpes Boating Lake today.

"At the time of this posting, the majority of Cleethorpes Boating Lake is covered in ice, which can look quite intriguing for our furry companions. It’s believed that the dog was crossing the ice and hadn’t noticed the unfrozen section before falling in.

The witness said the situation happened at Cleethorpes Boating Lake
Cleethorpes Boating Lake also froze over in January 2023 -Credit:Grimsby Live


"Fortunately, this dog was rescued, but this could’ve been a different story if the dog had slipped under the ice, or if they had been in the water for a prolonged period.

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"Over the next few days as temperatures increase, this ice will only get thinner and thinner. Avoid heartbreak by remembering that prevention is better than cure."

The organisation has made the following recommendations to prevent similar occurrences from happening, and what to do if it does:

  • Keep dogs on lead when near icy waters.

  • Remain a safe distance from icy waters (for both you and your pet)

  • If possible, avoid walks near icy lakes/streams, particularly at night.

  • Ensure good recall training if off-lead.

  • Be sure to have a charged phone in case you need to call for help.

  • Use a collar with a light to help locate your dog.

  • If your animal falls into the water and cannot get out, do not panic, call for help.

  • Shout to nearby bystanders so you’re not on your own, call 999 and ask for the Fire Service or Coast Guard.

  • Do not enter the water, frozen waters can quickly make you a second casualty.

  • Await further instructions from the 999 operator.

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