Stay Off The Frozen Tarns

The Lake District National Park Authority is warning people to stay off frozen lakes and tarns in the area as rising temperatures make for a rapid thaw and potentially lethal conditions.

The temperature changes mean that while surfaces may look frozen, the ice could actually be thawing fast and could give way at any moment dunking you into icy water. And yes, that may seem like common sense, but

The Lake District National Park’s head of countryside services, Mark Eccles comments:

“We’ve seen people walking, sledging and skating on our frozen waters, but now it’s getting warmer, the dangers are even more acute.
 
“We know people have been on the ice at Bassenthwaite, Ullswater and Derwentwater over the weekend. Police have asked us to do what we can to highlight the potential danger.
 
“Lakes and tarns, particularly those at higher levels, could appear to have solid ice, even when it’s thawing, and might not hold a person’s weight.”

Mark warned that dogs also represented grave risks. He added: “They could be seriously injured or die, if the ice breaks. And anyone trying to rescue them puts their own life in peril.
 
“Although there have been fatalities in other areas, we haven’t had any serious incidents and want people, and their pets, to keep out of harm’s way. There are still lots of fantastic things to enjoy in the countryside, without going on hazardous, ice-covered water.
 
“We certainly don’t want to be killjoys. And we don’t want to clutter the countryside with ‘ice danger’ posters.
 
“With a bit of common sense, this amazing winter landscape can be enjoyed by all those prepared to go the extra distance in keeping themselves protected and safe.”
 
Red Tarn Danger

Assessor Jon Bennett said ice on Red Tarn, below the summit of Helvellyn - the Lake District’s third highest peak - was not thick and walkers should not be tempted on it.
 
“We’ve had instances in the past where people have been playing around on the ice. It’s dangerous beyond words. This is one of the national park’s highest stretches of water.
 
“People are just not thinking about the consequences of ice breaking. At best, it would take mountain rescue at least an hour to reach them. No one could hold their breath or stay warm for that long!”

 It features winter reports from the Lake District fell top assessors, on 0844 846 2444 and www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/weatherline