Lough Neagh Rescue Warns Over Dangers of Jumping Through Frozen Ice

10th January 2021

The frozen Long Pond at Antrim Castle Gardens

Extremely low temperatures in Northern Ireland (it was -10.5 degrees in Katesbridge in County Down) caused many waterways and lakes and even Bangor Harbour on Belfast Lough to ice over.

Lough Neagh Rescue has reported that it received many calls and messages from members of the public about walking on the Long Ponds in Antrim Castle Gardens in Antrim town. There were also reports of swimmers jumping into Lough Neagh through frozen ice.

Lough Neagh Rescue say "Whilst we can't tell anyone what to do, we would encourage our followers to keep safe and follow current safety guidelines. It might look like fun and you might think it's safe to walk or swim under the ice, but the consequences of your actions could be severe and life-threatening".

More on: Water Safety Ireland Issue Ice Safety Warning for Parents to Risk of Drowning

Published in Northern Ireland Waters

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Safety on the Water

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Betty Armstrong

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Betty Armstrong is Afloat and Yachting Life's Northern Ireland Correspondent. Betty grew up racing dinghies but now sails a more sedate Dehler 36 around County Down

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