The warning comes after a weekend rescue on Lake Ontario
Fire officials say the experience of two teens who became trapped on an ice shelf, serves as a reminder, to stay off frozen water bodies as the temperature warms up.
St. Catharines Fire Services responded to a call Sunday evening after the duo ventured out onto the ice shelf at the end of Geneva Street.
One of the teens broke through the ice and fell into the water and was unable to get out.
The second teen managed to stay on the ice but could not safely assist his friend.
Ultimately firefighters secured themselves to shore and ventured out onto to the ice to rescue the pair.
Deputy Fire Chief Dave Upper adding, "freezing water poses serious risk, even for strong swimmers, and it can take just minutes for
hypothermia to set in and impede individuals’ ability to swim or maintain consciousness."
Upper says "If someone goes through the ice call for help immediately and remember the safest way to perform an ice rescue is from shore, using a rope or stick to reach out to the person."
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