Water temperatures can be extremely cold in the UK and in winter can plummet to below zero.

Here are some top safety tips for keeping safe:

• Do not walk or play on ice
• Keep your pets away from ice and on leads at all times
• If your pet enters extremely cold water, do not attempt to rescue them yourself – you could put yourself in danger and they are more likely to rescue themselves
• If you go for a walk near cold water, try and go during daylight hours when visibility is good. If not, make sure the route is well lit
• Stay away from the water's edge

If you find yourself in the water:

• Relax and float on your back to catch your breath. Try to get hold of something that will help you float
• Keep calm then call for help or swim for safety if you're able

If you see someone else in the water:

• Do not go into the water to rescue them. You could get into trouble yourself
• Call 999 and ask for the fire service and be as precise as you can with the location
• Tell the struggling person to float on their back in a star shape
• Throw something that may help them float – like a branch, an inflatable ball or even a water bottle