With the onset of spring thaw in the high country, the Summit County Sheriff’s office reminds the public of the dangers of melting ice in and around Summit County waterways.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 22, 2020
Contact: Erin Opsahl
(970) 423-8901
Erin.Opsahl@SummitCountyCO.Gov
SHERIFF’S OFFICE REMINDS PUBLIC ABOUT DANGERS OF MELTING ICE
SUMMIT COUNTY, CO – With the onset of spring thaw in the high country, the Summit County Sheriff’s office reminds the public of the dangers of melting ice in and around Summit County waterways.
On Monday, April 20, 2020, the Sheriff’s Office and Summit Fire and EMS responded to a report of a dog that had fallen through the ice. In an attempt to rescue the dog, the owner also fell through the ice. Fortunately, both the dog and owner were uninjured, however the owner suffered mild hypothermia after being in the water for only 5 minutes.
“Although, I am highly confident of the skills and training of my staff in ice rescues, this incident could have had a very different outcome.” Stated Sheriff Jaime FitzSimons.
Spring ice is never safe. Ice thickness is very inconsistent and is changing daily as the ice fluctuates with the weather becoming warmer.
If you find yourself in a situation where someone has fallen through the ice, call 911 for help immediately. Help will arrive soon. Do not go onto the ice and become a victim yourself. If the victim cannot get out, call out to the victim and encourage them to stay afloat and get their arms onto the side of the ice and stay as calm as possible. If possible, reach out to them without leaving the shore. Use a ladder, pole or anything handy to reach the victim. If you are unable to reach them, try to throw them a rope, hose or even jumper cables.
Pet owners should remain vigilant when in the area of any ice. Keep your pets under control at all times. If your pet falls through the ice do not go into the water after them. If the ice is not strong enough to hold your pet, it is not strong enough to hold you.
Sheriff Jaime FitzSimons reminds the public, “Spring conditions can be very unpredictable and to exercise caution and safety for themselves and pets when around water and unfamiliar ice conditions.”
The Sheriff’s Office, Summit Fire and EMS, Red White and Blue Fire District, and Summit County Dive Rescue Team all have trained ice rescue personnel.
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