A dramatic rescue unfolded Wednesday morning at Utah Park in Aurora, Colorado, when two dogs fell through the ice into a partially frozen pond. A bystander quickly dialed 911 after witnessing the incident, which occurred about 10-15 feet from the shore.
According to Aurora Fire Rescue (AFR), the dogs were able to free themselves from the icy waters before rescuers arrived. One of the dogs fled the scene, but the second was successfully treated for hypothermia by emergency crews. It was later handed over to Animal Control to assist in locating the pet’s owner.
AFR officials are cautioning the public about the dangers of ice on ponds and other bodies of water as winter temperatures continue to drop. They emphasized that a person can only survive in icy water for 15 to 45 minutes before succumbing to hypothermia.
As a safety precaution, AFR urged people to ensure that someone knows their location when near frozen waters. In the event of a fall through the ice, AFR advises calling 911 immediately. Attempting a rescue without proper training could lead to further accidents.
The rescue team also reminded the public that remaining calm and conserving energy is crucial in such situations. Attempting to swim can cause rapid heat loss, making it even harder to escape the water. The best course of action is to use one’s arms to grip the ice while kicking the feet to help pull oneself out.
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