Firefighters Rescue Woman and Two Dogs from Frozen Lake Drama
A West Midlands firefighter braved icy waters to save a woman in her sixties from Himley Park, Staffordshire, suffering mild hypothermia but escaping serious harm. Just as crews were about to leave, they plunged back in to rescue a second dog trapped on the ice.
Frozen Lake Chaos: Twice the Trouble for Fire Crews
At 1.25pm on Thursday 15 December, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue teams from Dudley and Wombourne were called to a woman trapped in the freezing water at Himley Park. Despite thick ice blocking access, a Dudley firefighter entered the water and, with a boat, brought the woman and her dog safely ashore. The woman later thanked her rescuers from hospital.
But the drama didn’t end there. Just as the firefighters packed up, a second dog was spotted struggling in the water. Fearing its owners might risk their own safety, the Technical Rescue Unit launched a second boat rescue, bringing the dog to safety without incident.
Fire Service Warning: Keep Dogs on Leads Near Ice
A West Midlands Fire Service spokesperson warned: “We cannot stress enough the dangers of winter ice. We understand owners want to act if their dogs are in trouble, but please keep pets on leads near frozen or open water – for everyone’s safety.”
Top Tips for Dog Walkers This Winter
- Always keep dogs on leads near ice.
- Do not throw sticks or toys onto frozen lakes.
- Never walk on ice or enter icy water to rescue pets—call 999, 112, or the RSPCA.
- Encourage dogs to areas where they can easily climb out and call them towards you.
These rescues come just four days after a chilling incident in Solihull where four boys tragically lost their lives in freezing water, underscoring the grave risks posed by winter waters.
