Multiple individuals fell through the ice in separate events in Arlington and Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, on Monday. In Shrewsbury, two people were reported to have plunged into the icy waters at Dean Park Pond early in the morning. First responders from Shrewsbury police, firefighters, and EMS personnel from Worcester quickly arrived at the scene. The individuals had been ice skating and managed to move toward the shoreline after breaking through the ice near the pond's center, Boston.com reported.
Likewise, a frightening scenario unfolded at the Arlington Reservoir when a teenage boy, walking with his father, fell through the ice. In a statement obtained by NBC Boston, officials said that the boy was rescued by first responders after his father could not manage to pull him out. He was evaluated by paramedics and is expected to make a full recovery. This incident accentuates the unpredictable nature of ice safety, even when the ice appears to be thick.
The Arlington Fire Department subsequently issued a warning, stating through a social media post, "The only safe ice is indoor ice at the rink."
Shrewsbury police have issued advice for those considering ice activities: assess the ice's color and look for signs of weakness such as cracks, slushy areas, or open water. Clear, blue ice typically indicates strength, whereas white or opaque ice suggests it's weaker and thinner. They added, gray or dark ice is unsafe as this indicates the surface is melting. Furthermore, individuals should equip themselves with ice picks, ropes, and whistles, and never go on the ice alone, according to Boston.com.
