How to Rescue Someone Who's Fallen Through the Ice

Winter sports can be a lot of fun, but they carry hazards such as thin ice.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Long stick or pole, if possible
• Rope

1. Call for help, immediately. This doesn't just mean dialing emergency services, though you'll need them, too.
2. Talk to the person who's fallen through. Try and keep them as calm as possible. Panic will kill you, and them, as fast as the cold water. Staying calm is the key to getting out safely.
3. If you have a sturdy rope, and enough of it, tie it around your waist. Secure the other end to something on shore. If it's not long enough for that, or if there are other people assisting you, use the rope to toss to the person in the water.
4. You want to lay as flat on the ice as possible, and grab a stick, a pole or anything else that can extend your reach.
5. Be prepared for the person to panic. This is why it's important to have someone holding on to you, and why you should have something to extend or throw to them, rather than trying to grab them yourself.
6. Once you have a hold of the person in the water, or they have the rope or pole, slowly haul them back onto the ice. Stay flat, and move backwards slowly to get the person out safely.
7. Seek immediate medical help. Get the person out of their wet clothes and into something dry as soon as possible until trained medical personnel arrive. Keep them warm, awake and active.

Tips & Warnings

• In a pinch, a rowboat or canoe can be used. Put one foot in the boat, one foot on the ice, and scoot across to the person. Help them hold onto the boat to pull themselves in.
• Always look for and heed warning signs around local ponds and waterways. If you're not sure, don't cross.