The following is a release from the Snohomish County Sheriff:
On Jan. 16, 2007, 15 year-old Seth James fell through the ice at Martha Lake and died. In an effort to prevent similar tragedies during this extended cold spell, the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office Technical Water Rescue Team are warning county residents to stay off of frozen lakes, ponds and rivers.
“Just because a lake or pond is frozen, doesn’t mean it’s safe for walking on,” said Sgt. Scot Fenter, a diver with the Technical Water Rescue Team. “Falling through the ice becomes a fatal situation in a matter of minutes”
Additional tips and resources from the Sheriff’s Office:
- Do not walk on any frozen ponds, lakes, rivers or any other frozen water or waterways.
- If you see someone fall through the ice, CALL 911 immediately. Do not attempt to rescue someone who has fallen through the ice by going out on the ice yourself.
- Keep children away from and off of frozen ponds, lakes, rivers and any other frozen water. Talk to older children about the serious danger of walking on ice.
- Keep pets on a leash at all times if you are near iced-over waterways.
- Washington Department of Natural Resources tips and safety video
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife ice fishing safety tips
