A man was saved after falling into a frozen lake while trying to rescue his dog. Dramatic pictures show the good Samaritan crawling across the ice as he brought the man and his dog to safety.
The dog walker fell into Connaught Water in Epping Forest, Essex, at around 2.20pm on Sunday (January 4). He was spotted by a passer-by who crawled on the ice to pull him to safety. They were both able to get out of the lake before being left in the care of paramedics.
The rescue was filmed by Ozgur Ontas. He said the men were in the icy water for between 10 and 15 minutes.
He told the BBC: « It’s problematic for dog walkers. It wasn’t just this man, other people’s dogs also went into the lake and ran on the ice. This could happen again. »
Essex Fire and Rescue Service has since warned people not to enter cold waters to rescue animals. It comes as the UK continues to be gripped by freezing temperatures.
Gary Dyer, the fire service’s watch manager, said: « We completely understand why people want to help in situations like this, but cold water can overwhelm the body very quickly. The safest thing to do is stay out of the water and call us – we have the training and equipment to respond safely. »
A spokesman for the fire and rescue service said: « Firefighters were called to a lake in Rangers Road, near Buckhurst Hill, following a dog rescue attempt that left two people in icy water. A member of the public fell through ice in an attempt to rescue a dog. A passer-by then entered the water to try to help.
« Both people were able to get out of the water and were left in the care of the ambulance service. The dog was safely reunited with its owners. »
A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service said: « We were called at 2.20pm on Sunday 4 January to reports that a man was in difficulty in Connaught Water in Chingford.
« Two ambulances, an ambulance officer vehicle and a response vehicle were sent to the scene. Two patients were assessed at the scene and one was transported to Whipps Cross Hospital for further assessment and care. »
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