As Britain braces for the full force of Storm Goretti,with forecasters warning of heavy snow,driving rain and gale-force winds,chilling footage has captured the moment a passer-by plunged through the ice of a frozen lake while trying to rescue a man who had already fallen in attempting to save his dog. The dramatic incident, which unfolded amid a cold snap that has left large stretches of water perilously iced over, underscores growing concerns about public safety as emergency services urge people to stay away from frozen lakes, ponds and rivers during the worsening winter weather.
Chain reaction on the ice how a routine dog walk turned into a triple emergency rescue
The quiet stillness of the frozen park shattered in seconds when a playful dog bolted across the brittle surface of the lake, its paws skidding on glassy ice. As horrified onlookers watched, the animal suddenly crashed through a thin patch, vanishing into the black water below. Its owner, gripped by instinct rather than caution, sprinted forward and ventured onto the treacherous sheet, ignoring shouted warnings. The surface, weakened by recent thaws and concealed fractures, gave way beneath him too. In the chaos that followed,a passer-by rushed in an attempt to help,only to be pulled into the same frigid trap as the cracking ice radiated outwards like shattered glass.
What unfolded next was a stark illustration of how swiftly winter conditions, intensified by Storm Goretti, can overwhelm even the best intentions. Emergency services, already on high alert amid warnings of more snow, rain and gales, raced to the scene as witnesses scrambled to improvise a response using everyday objects:
- Branches and leads used as makeshift lifelines
- Coats and scarves spread on the ice to distribute weight
- Calls to 999 made within seconds by multiple bystanders
| Risk Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Unseen weak ice | Multiple people fall through |
| Instinctive rescue attempts | Chain of casualties |
| Severe wind & cold | Rapid onset of hypothermia |
Hidden dangers of frozen lakes why instinctive heroism can turn deadly in seconds
Freezing temperatures create a hazardous illusion of safety, turning lakes into what appear to be solid pavements of ice. In reality, thickness can vary drastically from one step to the next, and even experienced walkers have no way of judging stability with the naked eye. When someone or something crashes through, adrenaline and instinct push bystanders to rush forward, frequently enough straight onto the weakest part of the ice. That single, panicked decision can transform one emergency into several, as rescuers cluster around the same fracture zone. Rescue professionals stress that cold shock, not hypothermia, is frequently enough the first killer: the body’s involuntary gasp reflex can pull water into the lungs within seconds.
Authorities and safety experts warn that improvised rescues on winter water are as unpredictable as the weather systems that create them. The combination of Storm Goretti’s sharp winds, fluctuating temperatures and heavy precipitation is expected to weaken surfaces that look deceptively robust. Instead of instinctively running towards a struggling person or pet, people are urged to keep distance and use safer methods such as:
- Calling emergency services promptly and clearly stating the location.
- Reaching from solid ground with a scarf, branch or pole rather than stepping onto the ice.
- Sliding objects like a ladder or board across the surface to distribute weight.
- Encouraging the victim to kick and float onto the ice while staying low and crawling back.
| Water Temp | Cold Shock Onset | Average Conscious Time |
|---|---|---|
| 0-5°C | Within 1-3 breaths | Under 15 minutes |
| 5-10°C | Within 1 minute | 15-30 minutes |
Storm Goretti on the way what new snow, rain and gales mean for already treacherous waterways
Forecasters warn that the brutal cold snap behind the lake drama is only the beginning, with Storm Goretti set to sweep in and dramatically worsen conditions on rivers, canals and reservoirs already fringed with unstable ice. As milder air clashes with entrenched freezing temperatures, authorities expect a volatile mix of thawing snow, fresh downpours and gale-force winds that could rapidly undermine ice sheets that may look solid but are, in reality, paper-thin. Emergency planners say the greatest danger lies in this “false security” period, when glassy surfaces appear firm while hidden currents, rising water levels and rainfall gnaw away at their foundations from below. Rescue services are bracing for more callouts as people venture near the water’s edge to walk dogs, photograph dramatic scenes or shortcut across frozen stretches, unaware of how quickly the balance between solid and slush can tip.
With the Met Office flagging heightened flood and wind risks, local councils and charities are urging the public to treat every frozen or fast-rising waterway as a potential trap. Key concerns in the days ahead include:
- Rapid ice break-up as rain and gales fracture weakened surfaces.
- Hidden flooding on paths, towpaths and park lakes as water levels surge under snow.
- Strong gusts pushing people, prams or bicycles closer to unstable banks.
- Disoriented pets running onto thinning ice in sleet and poor visibility.
| Risk Factor | Storm Goretti Impact | Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Ice Stability | Rapid thaw and cracking | Stay off all frozen surfaces |
| River Levels | Sudden surges and debris | Avoid banks and slipways |
| Visibility | Snow, sleet and spray | Keep dogs on leads near water |
| Rescue Risk | Colder, faster water | Call 999, don’t go in |
Expert-backed safety advice how to respond when a pet or person falls through ice without risking your life
Rescue professionals stress that the first rule is stay off the ice yourself. Call emergency services immediately and give clear details of your location, then look for ways to help from solid ground.Lie flat to distribute your weight and slide closer only if the ice between you and the hole appears stable, keeping a safe distance from the edge. Use anything long to reach the victim – a scarf, branch, ladder, dog lead or pole – and encourage them to kick their legs and grab on. For pets,experts repeatedly advise: do not follow them in; most dogs will try to climb out themselves or can be coaxed toward the edge with your voice while you remain on shore.
Cold‑water specialists underline that every second in near‑freezing water counts, but untrained would‑be rescuers often become additional casualties. If someone does manage to scramble out, help them roll away from the hole rather than stand up quickly, and get them to a warm, sheltered place. Remove wet clothing and cover them with coats, blankets or spare layers while waiting for paramedics. To help people remember what to do, safety organisations offer simple guidance:
- Shout for help and call 999/112 before acting.
- Reach with something long; don’t use your hands.
- Throw a float, rope, or anything that can help them stay up.
- Stay back from the edge to avoid a secondary fall-through.
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Call emergency services first | Run onto cracking ice |
| Use long objects to reach | Grab the victim by hand |
| Lie flat to spread weight | Stand upright near the hole |
| Keep talking to calm them | Enter the water for a pet |
Wrapping Up
As Storm Goretti bears down with the promise of more snow, driving rain and gale-force winds, emergency services are urging the public to think twice before putting themselves in harm’s way. Ice that appears solid can give way in seconds, and even strong swimmers can be incapacitated almost immediately in freezing water.
The scenes at the frozen lake serve as a stark reminder of how quickly a well‑intentioned rescue can spiral into a life‑threatening emergency. Authorities are reiterating that anyone who sees a person or animal in distress on ice should call 999 rather than attempt a rescue themselves.
With forecasters warning that the worst of the winter weather may still be to come, officials say preparation, caution and heeding safety advice will be crucial in preventing similar incidents in the days ahead.
