A 13-year-old girl fell through the ice at Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids on Saturday but was safely rescued. The incident happened around 4:30 pm near Lakeside Drive, and a patrol officer arrived within two minutes, as reported FOX 17.
Following a call for assistance, public safety personnel quickly responded to a situation involving a teenage girl standing in waist-deep water about 15 feet from shore. Instead of deploying an airboat, officers donned ice rescue suits and safely brought her to shore by 4:33 p.m. After being evaluated by medical staff, she was released to her parents. The East Grand Rapids Department of Public Safety emphasized the importance of preparedness and urged the public, saying, "Public Safety reminds community members to exercise increased caution when venturing out on the ice," as noted by WZZM 13 and WOOD TV.
Assistant Chief David Pelton of the Plainfield Township Fire Department advises staying calm if you fall through ice, stating, "When panic sets in, that's when the drowning actually starts to happen." He recommends keeping your arms on the ice, conserving energy, and controlling your breathing while waiting for rescue. This comes after a successful rescue of a girl within 11 minutes. The East Grand Rapids Department of Public Safety also advises traveling in groups, carrying a cellphone, sharing plans, and checking ice thickness before going out. They warn against ice thinner than 2 inches and recommend Rosa Parks Circle for safe ice activities, according to FOX 17.
