TRI-CITIES, Wash. – With the extended sub-freezing temperatures around the region local waterways and even stretches of some rivers are frozen, however, the ice is not safe.
When hiking or walking your dog it can be hard to tell just how thick the ice is and emergency agencies are warning people to stay away from the ice on local ponds, lakes, streams and rivers.
According to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, if someone falls through the ice first responders may not be able to get to them before hypothermia sets in.
The Yakima Fire Department says a person submerged in 32.5 degree water for less than ten minutes will start losing muscular control and consciousness. Cardiac arrhythmias can still occur after leaving the water due to severe blood cooling.
YFD says people who try to save the life of someone who fell through ice often die as well, as the ice will likely not hold the weight of a second person. Calling for emergency help is the best way to help someone who fell through ice.
If walking your dog around ice it is also important to keep them on a leash because people often fall through the ice while trying to rescue dogs that have fallen through, according to the GCSO.
