With reports over the weekend of emergency services called to assist in two pet rescues, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) have urged the public to take extra care of themselves and their pets, when out and about in the wintery weather.

“The cold, icy conditions have made for some really beautiful scenes across Scotland, in recent weeks,” says Stephen Lyon, Community Drowning Prevention Co-ordinator for RLSS UK in Scotland and the North.

“It’s understandable that we want to get out and about when we can and there’s a lot of fun to be had in the snow. However, as we’ve seen this weekend, icy conditions are dangerous conditions - slippery surfaces, unstable terrain and other hazards are disguised.

“I’d like to urge people to keep themselves, friends, family and pets safe over winter. Keep away from the edge near water, teach youngsters to stay off the ice and either keep dogs on a lead, or avoid throwing sticks and balls, onto the ice.”

RLSS UK has detailed winter water safety advice online with these five top tips for keeping you and yours safe:

KEEP BACK FROM THE EDGE
Slippery, unstable and uneven terrain can make slips and falls more likely

ONLY USE WELL LIT AREAS
Whenever possible, try and keep to well lit routes away from water

TEACH CHILDREN NOT TO GO ON THE ICE
Teach children not to go on the ice in any circumstances

KEEP DOGS ON A LEAD
Keep dogs on a lead when near ice and don’t throw sticks or toys onto the ice

DON’T GO ONTO THE ICE TO RESCUE A DOG
Don’t go onto the ice or into the water to rescue a dog, move somewhere where the dog can climb out and call them to you.

Click here for more information on RLSS UK’s Winter Water Safety advice.