Cops rescue "distressed" woman and "frantic" dog from frozen lake in Thrybergh

Officers from the Off Road Bike Intervention Team heard shouts for help while on patrol around Silverwood Nature Reserve in Thrybergh on Monday. 

After seeing “someone in the frozen water in distress”, they realised a woman had entered the lake to rescue her dog.

A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: “PC Jamie Walker entered the lake and grabbed the dog who was frantically treading water, and then helped the woman who was knee-deep in the lake while holding a second dog.”

It is understood the dog was being walked off its lead when it started to chase a swan.

As the swan flew off, it broke the ice and the dog followed it into the lake.

Operational Support Unit Chf Insp Lee Carlson said: “We share a multitude of advice as the cold weather approaches, but it’s important that people don’t think ‘That won’t happen to me’.

“With the increase in freezing conditions even your routine that you have done every day may need to change, and that may be something as simple as walking your dog on the lead, not off.

“This incident is a reminder of how easy it can be to get into difficulty and distress in open water.

“Please be wary of the dangers, be vigilant and stay safe.”

PC Walker, who dried off, changed his clothes at a local police station and continued his shift, added: “This incident had a good outcome, everyone was safe, albeit some soggy footwear.

"However, it could have been very different as we have seen from the absolutely devastating tragedy in Solihull this week.

“Please know where your children are playing, their usual safe places may not be safe now winter has arrived, and be aware on your regular, local walks with your dogs — as the seasons change, so do the risks.”