Man and dog rescued from frozen lake (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Pair fell through ice in Verulamium Park

12:20pm Tuesday 14th February 2012 in News By Zoe Forsey

A man and his dog had a lucky escape when they were rescued from a lake in St Albans after falling through the ice.

Emergency services were called to Verulamium Park just before 1.10pm on Friday, February 11.

The pair managed to drag themselves out of the water and make it to the island in the centre of lake, where they were later rescued by a fire crew from Hatfield, who are specifically trained in water rescue.

Firefighters used a floating bridge to reach the man, who was then able to walk back to the mainland safely.

Despite warning signs from St Albans District Council around the lake, which were put up before the snow fell last week, people braved the ice during the cold snap, ice skating and walking on the frozen lake.

A spokesman from the county council said: "Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue would also like to remind residents that frozen water is not safe and children and adults should keep off it at all times.

"If you are walking your dog close to a lake you should keep them on a lead at all times.

"It’s impossible to tell how thick the ice is and how deep the water is underneath, and our advice is to stay well clear."