Thin Ice Danger!

Thin-Ice Danger

Never sled or walk near or on, a snow-covered body of water, such as a frozen pond, stream, or lake!
If someone falls through the ice:

Call 911
Resist the urge to go onto the ice to help – this could result in two victims falling through
If no help is immediately available, follow Non-Contact Water/Ice Rescue: “Preach, Reach, Throw, Row, Go.”

Non-Contact Water/Ice Rescue

Preach

Yell to the victim. Encourage them to try to stay afloat and that ensure them that help is on the way.

Reach

Try to reach the victim without getting onto the ice. Extend an object such as a ladder, pole, branches, etc. to the victim. If the person starts to pull you in, let go of the object and start over.

Throw

Throw one end of a rope, garden hose, or jumper cables to pull the victim out. Have them try to tie it around themselves before they are too weakened by the cold to hold it.

Row

Find a light boat to push across the ice ahead of you. Push it to the edge of the hole, get into the boat and pull the victim in over the bow. It’s not a bad idea to attach some rope to the boat, so others can help pull you and the victim to safety.

Go

A non‑professional should NEVER go on to the ice to rescue unless all basic rescue techniques have been ruled out. If you must approach the victim do not walk upright. Lay down or slide up to the edge. Combine with reaching and extending an object so the victim can grasp. If they start to pull you in, let go and start over.

Remember, if the situation is too dangerous for you to rescue, call 911 for help, keep reassuring the victim that help is on the way and urge them to fight to survive.

If a pet falls through

If a pet falls through the ice, call 911 & use shore rescue only. Animals can survive in icy water longer than people can. Do not go onto the ice to rescue.

Ice Safety and Rescue PSA
Gerald M. Dworkin, Aquatics Safety and Water Rescue

Sledding Near-drowning Rescue Caught on Video

This incident took place on December 29, 2012 at Jackson Lake in Wrightwood, California, not far from Mountain High Ski Resort. Fortunately there were no injuries. In this area, as well as all mountain communities, when it snows, those who live in the lower elevation cities and valley areas, come with families for snow play and sledding. Sometimes, if those are not familiar with the community and a flat area covered in snow could have thin ice below, or when sledding, one can get too close unintentionally, as in this incident. If someone falls through the ice, remember to have someone get help, call 911. Resist the urge to go onto the ice, instead use the Non-Contact Water/Ice Rescue, as described above, “Preach, Reach, Throw, Row, Go.”

Planning a snow play or sledding trip after a fresh snowfall? Before you go:

Wear "proper clothing layers"
Check Cal Trans road conditions, Chain Control - See Drive slower on snow and ice covered roads
Follow sledding and snow play safety tips