Residents across Renfrewshire are being urged to take extra care around frozen ponds, lochs and wetlands as freezing temperatures continue.
Water Safety Scotland has issued a warning that frozen water can be deceptively dangerous, with many ice-related incidents entirely preventable if people understand the risks and avoid stepping onto ice.
The organisation said ice can appear solid but may be thin, unstable or hiding deep or fast-flowing water beneath the surface, making it impossible to judge whether it is safe to stand on.
Renfrewshire has several ponds and areas of open water that can freeze during cold weather, including Castle Semple Loch in Lochwinnoch and Jenny’s Well pond in Paisley. There are also ponds in public parks such as Robertson Park in Renfrew, Barshaw Park, Durrockstock Park, and Ferguslie Gardens. Wetland areas including Paisley Moss, Glen Moss and Newshot Island can also be affected by freezing conditions.
Carlene McAvoy from Water Safety Scotland said people should enjoy the outdoors during winter but do so with care, warning that ice can crack suddenly and cause a person or dog to fall through.
She urged people to stay well clear of frozen water, keep children away from the edges of ponds and lochs, and ensure dogs are kept on leads at all times.
The warning has been backed by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, which said winter walks can quickly turn into serious emergencies if someone ventures too close to frozen water.
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour said falling through ice can be fatal and warned members of the public not to attempt rescues themselves. He said anyone who sees someone fall through ice should dial 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service, then wait for trained crews to arrive.
Safety advice includes staying off ice entirely, keeping a safe distance from the water’s edge where snow or leaves can hide the true boundary, sticking to well-lit paths, and always supervising children near water.
Dog owners are reminded not to throw sticks or balls onto icy water. If a dog falls through ice, owners are advised not to enter the water but to encourage the dog to swim back to the edge or use a branch or pole from the bank if possible.
If someone does fall through ice, advice is to try to stay calm, float on their back to control breathing, call for help if able, and look for something solid to hold onto to help get out of the water.
Water Safety Scotland has also made free ice safety posters, leaflets and online resources available to help communities share the message during the current cold snap.