NEW PALESTINE — One of the hazards that come with the bitter cold temperatures is the fact that ponds freeze over. The current bitter cold made the surface of most area ponds and even some larger bodies of water somewhat solid.
Officials from the Sugar Creek Township Fire Department (SCTFD) took advantage of the harsh conditions earlier this week and did some cold water ice rescue training in the pond just behind Sugar Creek Fire Department Station 45 at 3545 S. 600 W., New Palestine.
Monday afternoon, members of the SCTFD B-shift trained on primary, backup and tertiary plans for patient removal from ice emergencies.
Despite many ponds in the area showing an appearance of the pond being frozen, officials from SCTFD want to remind families to never walk, go onto, or try to cross iced-over ponds, even if they look safe.
Many ponds only have the appearance of being iced over and are more than likely not thick enough to hold the weight of a person, even a child. Officials warn that, every year, people drown after falling through ice.
Officials note that everyone should stay off of ice 2 inches thick or less. Ice fishing or other activities on foot is possible on fresh ice 4 inches thick. Snowmobiles or ATVs are possible on ice with a thickness of at least 5 inches.
