Northamptonshire County Council's fire and rescue service is asking people to remain away from frozen waterways and ensure children and animals are kept away from the water's edge.
Chief fire officer Martyn Emberson said: "A frozen lake or waterway may look safe but you can't tell whether the ice is thick enough to hold your weight. "If you do see a person or animal in difficulty do not try to rescue them yourself as you could end up in trouble as well.
"Instead call 999 and give the emergency services as much information as you can about your location and what has happened."
County council communities boss Councillor Andre Gonzalez De Savage added: "Ice-related drowning is easily preventable by not going near frozen lakes or rivers and extra care should be taken as snow can often obscure the water edges making it difficult to judge if you are over water or not.
"By far the majority of the incidents involve children or dog walkers so ensure that children are kept away as well and dogs on a lead."
For more information call the fire and rescue service's prevention team on 01604 797000 or email enquiries@northantsfire.org.uk
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