During the winter, it is important to keep pets close and on a leash near bodies of water to prevent them from falling through the ice. Boulder Fire Rescue has responded to multiple calls for pets falling through ice, which can lead to dangerous situations for both the pets and their owners. First responders are well-prepared for ice rescues, equipped with ice rescue suits, ropes, and other tools to safely rescue animals from icy waters.
If a pet falls through ice, it is best to stay on dry land and call for help rather than attempting to rescue them yourself. First responders have the necessary equipment and training to safely rescue animals from icy waters. In the event that you fall through the ice while trying to rescue your pet, it is important to stay calm, control your breathing, yell for help, and grip the edge of the ice shelf without trying to pull yourself out. Time is of the essence in ice rescues, so it is best to keep pets on a leash and under control to prevent accidents.