Monday 13th February 2012
pictures courtesy Andy Emmens



The icy cold weather may have stopped football matches, caused problems on the roads and forced people to wrap up this weekend but, for one group of emergency personnel, the recent cold snap was a blessing in disguise.

Chesterfield Fire and Rescue Service's Water Rescue Unit train on a frozen Chesterfield Canal

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service has 4 water safety units in the County - one of which is in Chesterfield - and Saturday morning saw training for rescues from icy water in a frozen over Chesterfield Canal.

We Spoke to Fire Officer Chris Bailey who told us just why the chance to perform the exercise was so valuable, and - ahead of a cold half term week - a warning on the dangers of frozen over water.

"The icy conditions were perfect! We have to make the most of time like that to train because they're few and far between. The Water Rescue Unit does train on water regularly but when we get ice like that, we have to make it count and get the experience.

"Sadly, ice and frozen over water proves a problem annually across the Country and Derbyshire is no exception" says Fire Officer Bailey, "People die every year from falling through ice. Only yesterday, a lady fell through the ice in Derby getting her dog out - I think in Markeaton Park - and had to be rescued."

As it's half term and it's likely that kids throughout the town will be out and about, Fire Officer Bailey had this warning near icy surfaces, "The dangers are from not being able to get out, as thin ice won't support weight so, once you're in the water, there's nothing to hold onto - to get out with - and it's so cold that your strength soon fades away.


Despite special dry suits, thermal suits and flotation devices, the Rescue Unit Officers still get cold after just a couple of minutes, without the gear, you would be hypothermic within seconds

"In the photos above, you see that we have special clothes on, dry suits and thermal suits - plus flotation aids - and we get cold after a couple of minutes! In normal clothes you would be hypothermic in seconds."

He added that the main danger lies in the fact that ice looks inviting and it looks safe and thick but that's not always the case, appearances can be very deceptive. "Ice can vary in thickness from one piece to the next - undercurrents and other things in the water can make it difficult, you think you're on something nice and thick but the next minute it won't support your weight."

He has one clear message to anyone near a patch of ice this winter, "No matter how thick ice looks It is ALWAYS dangerous, so don't go near it at all."

If you see someone who has fallen through the ice, ring 999, there are 4 specialist water units in the county and they are available 24/7.

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