Full Notification

Ingham County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of the River Bend County Park at approximately 4:35pm Saturday for a dog and women that had fallen through the ice and needed rescue. While enroute, the female subject was able to self-rescue herself along with the family pet.

The Ingham County Sheriff’s Office as part of the Regional Capitol Area Dive Team Underwater Rescue and Recovery Unit want to again remind citizens of the importance of ice safety as temperatures in the area continue to rise over the weekend and for the foreseeable future.

Citizens are strongly encouraged to stay off any ice for the rest of season or until consecutive freezing temperatures exist for an extended period of time. Due to the large amount of lakes, rivers, gravel pits and back yard ponds within the County, The Ingham County Sheriff’s Office is reminding citizens that if they are going to be near water sources, to take extra precautions and follow these suggestions:

- Children should not be left unattended near any body of water, frozen or otherwise.
- Anytime you are out alone on or near any body of water, frozen or otherwise, make sure someone knows where you are going and when to expect your return.
- Always carry a cell phone with you or other means to contact emergency personnel of a water emergency. Carrying a whistle attached to exterior clothing is also recommended.
- Contact 911 and emergency personnel at the first sign of a water emergency. Even before first rescue attempts are made.
- Bring and wear a PDF (Personal Floatation Device) anytime you are out on the water or ice.
- For homeowners or residence with nearby ponds, make sure safety equipment is available and visible. (A Throw ring that can be purchased at local marine stores and is highly recommended)
- Ladders, rope, tree branches, etc can be used to aid a victim that has fallen through the ice.
- Immediately going on to the ice to save someone else or a pet without a plan is not recommended. Many times, the person going out to save the another person or pet results in themselves becoming a victim and needing rescue.
- Keep pets on a leash when out walking pets near water sources.
- Lastly, NO ice is ever 100% safe. Caution should always be used when on frozen bodies of water. If you have any doubt of the stability of the ice….STAY OFF OF IT.