Trapped schoolboys saved from icy waters
BRAVE firefighters rescued three terrified schoolboys who were trapped in icy waters as temperatures across the country plummeted.
The heroic team from Polmadie dived into action on Monday afternoon after the alarm was raised that the young boys were trapped on an island surrounded by water at Holmhills Park in Cambuslang.
The Swiftwater Rescue Team from Polmadie, who are a specialist unit trained to respond to water rescue incidents, used an inflatable rescue path to bring the three boys to safety.
At least eight firefighters were involved in the operation and the boys were checked over by the Scottish Ambulance Service after the rescue mission.
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted at 2.22pm on Monday, December 18 to reports of youths tapped on ice in Cambuslang.
“Operations Control Immediately mobilised water rescue resources to the scene at Holmhills Park.
“Firefighters used an inflatable rescue path to bring three youths to safety from a small island on the iced pond.
“They were checked over at the scene by ambulance personnel but did not require hospital treatment. Crews left the scene at 4.54pm after ensuring the area was made safe.”
Scottish Water regularly issue advice to stay safe around frozen water. Ice can be very thin, and the water beneath is likely to be very deep and extremely cold.
As soon as you go on to frozen water there is a risk of someone falling through the ice into the freezing water. If this happens, you could be at risk of drowning.
Another hidden danger is the strong undercurrents caused by the fact that water is being continually drawn into large submerged pipes.
If you are out walking, don’t wander too near the edge because you could slip and fall in Don’t be tempted to test the thickness of the ice; it’s easy to slip from the bank and fall through Parents should explain the dangers of playing on frozen reservoirs and water to their children.
Adults should set a good example by staying off the ice themselves.
For more advice, visit www.scottishwater.co.uk