Teens rescued from island in frozen pond in East Grinstead

They had walked over the icy surface to reach an island in the middle of the water in East Grinstead but while they were there, the frozen pond around them began to break up.

Fire crews were called and used an inflatable rescue raft to rescue them yesterday afternoon.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service rescued two teenagers from the middle of a frozen pond in East Grinstead Credit: Steve Buchanan-Lee

A West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "We were called to help rescue two teenagers who had become stuck on an island in the middle of a frozen pond near Moat Road in East Grinstead at 4.25pm on Sunday (February 14).

"Joint fire control mobilised a crew from East Grinstead to the scene along with the service’s technical rescue unit and an East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service crew from Forest Row.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service rescued two teenagers from the middle of a frozen pond in East Grinstead Credit: Steve Buchanan-Lee

"Upon arrival they found the two young people who had initially crossed the pond over the ice, which had since started to break up, preventing their return back to land.

"Working together, the crews used an inflatable rescue raft to cross the pond and rescue the two young people, providing them with additional clothing to help keep them warm.

"We would always urge people to stay away from frozen water, and not to chance their luck by trying to walk over ice. It is very difficult to tell how thick the ice is, and it could give way at any moment."

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The Royal Life Saving Society UK has published safety advice for those around water this winter.

It states: "In winter, children and pets are particularly at risk when tempted to play on the ice formed on open water, and adults can find themselves at risk in attempting to save them.

"Areas with frozen lakes, ponds, canals and reservoirs can be beautiful places to visit during the winter months but all too often many people risk their lives by venturing onto frozen water."

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service rescued two teenagers from the middle of a frozen pond in East Grinstead Credit: Steve Buchanan-Lee

It urged people to teach their children not to go out on to the ice, to keep dogs their dogs on leads near frozen water and not to go on to the ice to rescue dogs.

Further advice included only walking in well-lit areas and keeping back from the edge of frozen water.