Serious fears have been raised for the safety of a group of children who were seen walking and cycling on the frozen surface of a popular Birmingham beauty spot.
Reckless Behaviour on Thin Ice
The alarming incident occurred at Blackroot Pool in Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield, on Monday, January 5, 2026. Eyewitnesses reported that the children, seemingly oblivious to the extreme danger, ventured onto the ice-covered water, with one even taking a bicycle out with them.
Concerned locals shared the news on the Sutton Coldfield Together Facebook page, with a parent pleading for recognition: “Please, guys, if you recognise your child in the photo, please call them and ask them to stop going on the ice.” The post added that despite warnings from passers-by, the children continued to ignore the pleas for their safety.
A Stark Reminder of Tragic Consequences
The community's reaction was swift and grave, with many highlighting the lethal risks. One commenter, Stephen Dickenson, explained the brutal reality of cold water shock: “This is what happens if it cracks, they go under the body temperature quickly declines into shock, you won't be able to swim as your heart won't take the cold, you will begin to drown in seconds.”
The event has stirred painful memories of past tragedies in the area:
- A friend of a commenter drowned in the park in the 1980s.
- The death of Daniel Drewitt in Powell’s Pool in the park in July last year.
- Most poignantly, the loss of four boys who died after falling through ice at Babbs Mill Lake in Solihull on December 11, 2022 – a tragedy still raw in the community's memory.
Urgent Safety Advice from Fire Services
West Midlands Fire Service has issued a forceful plea for the public to avoid all frozen open water. A spokesperson warned: “Surface ice can look deceptively solid, but is often thin, fragile and unpredictable. It can give way suddenly, plunging people or pets into freezing cold water and serious danger.”
The service expressed particular concern for children tempted to play and dog walkers who might follow a pet onto ice. Emily Fernandez, head of prevention, stated: “The loss of four young boys... is still a very real and raw memory for our communities. Frozen water can look harmless, but it’s one of the most dangerous winter hazards we face.”
The fire service provided critical survival guidance for anyone who falls through ice:
- Stay calm and shout for help.
- Spread your arms out across the ice in front of you.
- Kick your legs to propel yourself forward if the ice seems strong enough.
- Lie flat and use your arms to pull yourself towards the shore.
For bystanders, the advice is clear: do not go onto the ice. Instead, shout for help, call 999 immediately, and try to reach the person from the bank using a long object like a pole or rope.
The overriding message from authorities is unequivocal: no ice is ever safe. Parents are urged to educate their children, and everyone is advised to keep a safe distance from lakes, ponds, and canals during freezing conditions.
