Tiverton Firefighters Practice Ice Rescues

TIVERTON, RI — Tiverton firefighters practiced ice rescues on Stafford Pond on Friday. The department took the opportunity to remind residents that despite recent cold temperatures, the ice is not safe.

According to the Rhode Island Division of Parks and Recreation, ice thickness cannot be determined just by looking at it. Even if the ice looks thick enough to support weight, has snow on top, or if the temperature is well below freezing, there's no guarantee that it is safe.

To be considered safe, ice must be at least six inches thick, the department said. All ice should be tested before skating. For this to happen, it generally take five to seven days of temperatures in the low 20s, the Department of Environmental Management said, though that can vary depending on weather conditions and the size of the lake or pond.

If a person falls through the ice, the parks division recommended following these steps:

1. Call 911
2. Do not try to rescue the victim.
3. Try to calm and reassure the victim.
4. If with a responsible adult, have the adult return to try and assist the victim from shore.
5. Provide victim with something to help them stay afloat such as plastic milk or soda bottles, or a spare tire.
6. If the victim is stable and afloat try to send something to reach and retrieve victim such as a rope, extension cord, ladder, branch, boat or tying clothes together.
7. If victim is retrieved to shore, take steps to keep victim warm — change clothes, wrap in blanket etc. — until rescue personnel arrive.

A list of public skating rinks is available on the department's website.