More members of the emergency services in Shropshire have been trained to deal with water rescues over the festive period amid fears that people could be lured into danger by icy waterways like the River Severn.

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Services have put increased levels of staff through water-based rescue training to deal with a potential rise in incidents.

It comes after the sustained period of sub-zero temperatures caused many ponds, canals and lakes in the county to freeze over.

Shawn Baker, group manager for Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service’s central district, issued an appeal to residents to steer clear from walking over frozen waterways, especially when spirits may be high over the New Year period.

He said the service had prepared for an increase in call-outs to water rescues with teams on stand-by around the clock, but warned revellers to stay clear of waterways when they are drinking.

He said: “We have teams on stand-by 24/7 and there are swift water rescue operatives in place if needed.

“We have also trained up more people in intermediate water rescue to deal with any increase in incidents. We have all the equipment including thermal lined suits and we are prepared.

“But we would also like to remind people to keep off frozen ponds and lakes. People should remain cautious especially when they may have had a drink in the festive celebrations.”

The warning comes after an incident earlier this month in Shrewsbury where a young boy fell through ice, on a pond behind Battlefield Plaza, near the DVLA centre.

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service alerted police that one of its crews had come across four boys, aged about 10 or 11 playing on the frozen surface. One was wet to the waist having apparently fallen through the ice.

Police were unable to trace the four boys concerned but urged parents to impress on their children the extreme dangers of venturing onto frozen waterways with no way of knowing how thick or strong the ice may be.

By Sam Pinnington