WHITMAN, MASS. (WHDH) - Authorities in Massachusetts are warning residents of unsafe ice conditions after a pair of skaters fell through ponds in Arlington and Westborough on Monday, prompting frigid water rescues.
“Though temperatures have been on the colder side recently, Whitman officials warn that at this time it has not been cold enough for long enough to make it safe to walk, skate or fish on the ice in any waterway in Whitman,” Police Chief Timothy Grenno said in a statement.
Whitman was just one of many communities to share the warning with the public after skaters plunged through the ice at Spy Pond and Mill Pond.
Ice should always be measured in multiple places before testing it with your weight, according to the Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Ice two inches thick or less should be avoided completely.
Ice with a depth of four inches or more is considered safe for ice fishing or other activities on foot. Five inches of ice is recommended for snowmobiles or ATVs. Eight to 12 inches is necessary for a small car, while 12 to 15 inches of ice is necessary for trucks.
Firefighters train for these scenarios and showed 7News what it takes for them to save lives.
“The more you get your hands on it the better off you will be,” one firefighter said.
7News got a first-hand look at how the rescue in Arlington was done.
With close supervision from firefighters, we suited up in a survival suit while attached to a rope and in arms distance of a firefighter.
Kerri Corrado: “When I was out there I had the suit on. They didn’t have the suit on and were struggling.”
Arlington firefighter: “Yes, your body goes into shock almost immediately. Luckily, (the man in Arlington Monday) was able to stay alert and conscious. We were able to get him into the sled, which was the same as the training.”
Once on the sled, a signal gets sent to other officers to bring them back.
“When firefighters see the tap on the head, they know when to pull the sled in and the victim as well,” another firefighter said.
Officials shared the following ice and winter safety tips:
- Never go onto ice alone. A friend may be able to rescue you or go for help if you fall through the ice.
- Always keep your pets on a leash. If a pet falls through the ice, do not attempt a rescue. Call 911 instead.
- New ice is usually stronger than old ice. As the ice ages, the bond between the crystals decay, making it weaker, even if melting has not occurred.
- Beware of ice covered with snow. Snow can insulate ice and keep it strong, but can also insulate it to keep it from freezing.
- Slush is a danger sign, indicating that ice is no longer freezing from the bottom and can be weak or deteriorating.
- Ice formed over flowing water (rivers or lakes containing a large number of springs) is generally weaker than pond ice.
- Ice seldom freezes or thaws at a uniform rate. It can be one foot thick in one spot and be only 1 inch thick 10 feet away.
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