Firefighters are expressing their concerns and appealing to residents to keep away from open water and keep their dogs on leads while walking following two rescues in the matter of a few days at Acton Park Lake, Wrexham.

Crews were called to the lake on Sunday afternoon and then again this morning at 08.42hrs – both rescues involved a dog and a man.

Tim Owen, Partnerships and Communities Manager East Area for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said:

“We’d ask everyone to be aware of the dangers of open water, especially during icy conditions – please keep away from the water’s edge, and if you are walking a dog, please keep them on a lead.

“If you encounter somebody who is in trouble on or near the water, or if your dog or pet falls in, it’s vital that you don’t go in too.

“If you see someone is in trouble in the water, call  999 and ask for the fire and rescue service in inland waters or the coastguard at the coast.

“When someone’s struggling in the water, the instinct to jump in and help can be overwhelming, but it can quickly lead to tragedy without the right training or equipment. The water is unpredictable and a rescue for one can very quickly become a search for two.

“The Respect the Water campaign advises that if you see someone in trouble in the water, the best way you can help is by staying calm, staying on land, and following the 3-step rescue guide – Call 999 and ask for the right service, Tell them to float on their back and Throw them something that floats.”

Darren Williams, Chief Environment and Technical Officer for Wrexham County Borough Council, added: “Everyone should take extra when at any lake in the county borough and our Country Park Rangers routinely undertake safety checks in and around water on our parks to ensure adequate warnings are in place and to promote water safety awareness.”

More advice is available to the Respect the Water website here Respect The Water