Police Scotland has issued the following advice to anyone who sees someone fall through ice.
Call 999 immediately – give accurate location details. Use your phone’s GPS or look for landmarks (bridges often have ID numbers).
Stay OFF the ice – do NOT try to walk on it.
Reassure the person – tell them to stay still to conserve heat and energy.
Reach, don’t go – use something long like a rope, pole, or branch. Lie down or have someone hold you for stability before pulling them in.
If nothing to reach with, push out something that floats.
Keep talking to them until help arrives.
Once rescued, keep them warm and get them to hospital, even if they seem fine.
