How Did a 'Terrible' Ice Skating Accident Cost a British TV Star's Son Part of His Finger?

Former Towie star Chloe Lewis has shared alarming details of her six-year-old son Beau's recent ice skating accident, which resulted in him losing part of his finger. The incident highlights the need for increased safety measures, particularly concerning the importance of wearing protective gloves while ice skating.

Last updated: 06 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Chloe Lewis has taken to social media to raise awareness about the dangers of ice skating following her son Beau’s serious accident on New Year’s Eve 2022. While skating, Beau fell and had his finger severed by another skater’s blade. This traumatic incident has prompted Lewis to advocate for legislative changes to make gloves mandatory for children while skating.

Key takeaways

• Chloe Lewis's son Beau suffered a serious injury while ice skating.
• She is campaigning for a law requiring children to wear gloves while skating.
• The petition has gathered over 7,000 signatures, nearing the threshold for government response.

Timeline: how we got here

The incident occurred on 31 December 2022, when Beau was involved in an ice skating accident leading to severe injury. Following the accident, Lewis shared her experience on social media, which has resulted in a growing petition for safety reform.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

On 6 October 2023, Lewis updated her followers on the ongoing recovery process for Beau, stating that the surgery to reattach his finger did not succeed, and he may require further surgery. The petition she launched has garnered significant attention, highlighting the need for safety measures in ice skating.

What was already established

It was known prior to the incident that ice skating poses risks, particularly for children. However, this incident has shed light on the specific dangers associated with lack of protective gear, such as gloves, which can prevent serious injuries from sharp skates.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

This incident has raised awareness about the importance of safety measures during recreational activities, particularly for children. Parents may become more vigilant about protective gear when taking their children ice skating, potentially influencing local skating rinks to enforce safety regulations.

Businesses and jobs

Ice skating rinks may face scrutiny regarding safety protocols and may need to consider implementing stricter guidelines. This could include mandatory checks to ensure all children wear appropriate protective gear, impacting operations and possibly leading to increased costs.

Policy and regulation

Lewis's petition, which seeks to change the law to require children to wear gloves while ice skating, could prompt discussions within local and national government about safety regulations in recreational activities. If successful, this could set a precedent for similar safety measures in other sports.

Numbers that matter

• 7,000: Current signatures on Chloe Lewis's petition, nearing the 10,000 needed for a government response.
• 3.5 hours: Duration of Beau’s surgery to address his injury.
• 1: The number of fingers Beau lost due to the accident.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Protective Gear: Equipment designed to prevent injuries during activities.
• Petition: A formal request for a change in policy or law.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Individuals interested in supporting the cause should consider signing Chloe's petition and sharing it widely to increase awareness and drive signatures. Monitoring updates on Beau's recovery can also inform the public about potential changes in safety regulations.

Medium term (1–6 months)

If the petition reaches the required number of signatures, it may prompt a government response, leading to discussions about potential legislative action. Advocates for child safety in sports will likely rally to support Lewis's efforts.

Signals to watch

• Signature count on the petition; tracking progress towards 10,000 signatures.
• Media coverage of the petition and any responses from government officials.
• Any announcements from ice skating rinks regarding new safety measures.

Practical guidance

Do

• Encourage children to wear protective gloves when ice skating.
• Share awareness about the dangers of ice skating without proper gear.
• Sign and share the petition to promote legislative changes.

Don’t

• Allow children to skate without proper protective gear.
• Ignore safety protocols at ice skating rinks.
• Assume accidents won't happen; always prioritise safety.

Checklist

• Ensure children are equipped with gloves before skating.
• Review local ice skating rink safety policies.
• Discuss the importance of safety gear with children.
• Stay informed about the petition's progress.
• Educate others about the risks associated with ice skating.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the push for legal change is commendable, it’s important to acknowledge that accidents can still occur despite safety measures. The effectiveness of mandated protective gear will largely depend on compliance by both parents and children. The petition's success also hinges on political support, which may fluctuate based on other legislative priorities.

Bottom line

The recent ice skating accident involving Chloe Lewis's son underscores the critical need for improved safety measures in recreational activities. By advocating for a law mandating gloves for children while ice skating, Lewis is not only seeking justice for her son but also working to protect future generations. The outcome of this petition could significantly alter safety regulations in the UK.

FAQs

What happened to Chloe Lewis's son while ice skating?

Chloe Lewis’s son Beau suffered a serious injury when he fell while ice skating, and another skater’s blade severed part of his finger.

What is Chloe Lewis advocating for after her son's accident?

Lewis is campaigning for a law to require children to wear protective gloves while ice skating to prevent similar injuries in the future.

How can people support Chloe Lewis's petition?

Individuals can support the petition by signing it and sharing it widely to help raise awareness and reach the signature goals for government response.