Dog Falls Through Thin Ice; Police Urge Residents Be Cautious

WAYLAND, MA- Spring may be here but Wayland police are reminding residents thin ice is still a danger to beware of.

The department posted to its Facebook page the heroic account of an officer saving a dog who fell through thin ice on Wednesday. The post said Officer Colin Fitzpatrick was called to a report of a dog stranded on thin ice.

When Officer Fitzpatrick got to the scene the dog had fallen through the ice and couldn't pull himself out. Fitzpatrick jumped into action and got into the water, pulling the pup back to safety. "Its Officers' like Officer Fitzpatrick that make our community great," the post reads.

A happy ending to a cautionary tale, police want residents to stay aware of the dangers of thin ice especially as the days get warmer. Some important tips to remember:

New ice is stronger than old ice. Four inches of clear, newly formed ice may support one person on foot, while a foot or more of old, partially thawed ice may not.

If someone your with falls through ice into cold water the first thing you should do is call 9-1-1. If you can safely reach them from shore, give them a rope or tree branch to grab onto. Do not go into the water or onto the ice to help, you could become a victim yourself.

If a pet falls into the water its best to call 9-1-1 or go find help.

If you fall through thin ice it is important not to panic and keep all clothing on to help you stay afloat and keep you warm. Turn the direction you came from since ice you previously walked on should be the safest. To get out put your hands and arms on an unbroken surface and kick your legs: If you have ice picks or a pair of nails, use them to pull yourself up onto the ice while kicking. Then, lie flat and roll away. Once your torso is on firm ice, roll toward thicker ice to distribute your weight.