Onchan Commissioners 'draining boating pool' following UK deaths

Onchan Commissioners are draining the boating pool in Onchan park 'to reduce the risk of an accident'.

In a statement - the board says it comes following a number of enquiries, following the death of four boys in the UK who fell through ice.

The pool has begun to be emptied, but the board says due to ongoing weather conditions - it's taking a long time for the water to fully drain.

It adds there will still be a risk of ice in the bottom of the pool once it empties. 

In the meantime, warning signs have been put up.

You can see the full statement below:

Ross Phillips, Chief Executive/Clerk - Onchan District Commissioners:
 
Further to your enquiry earlier this week regarding the above, we have commenced emptying the boating pool. Due to the current prolonged inclement weather it is taking a long time for the water to leave the pool, and there will still be risk of ice in the bottom of the pool once it empties. We have also erected warning signage around the perimeter of the pool.

We kindly ask for some publicity so that the matter is highlighted to members of the public, and that nobody should try to enter the pool area. Members of the public are also advised to be aware of the advice already publicly provided by the IOM Police and the Royal Life Saving Society.