The dramatic movie Breakthrough was about a teenager who fell through the ice and survived only through the miraculous intervention of the Lord. In the past, while I was ice fishing I saw a vehicle driving on the ice heading toward an area where there is a bit of a current, thus thinner ice. I remember wanting to shout a warning as the car went into the water. Fortunately, the water was only about 4 feet deep, and the two folks were able to scramble out of the car to safety
Hopefully, we will never be in a position of having to rescue somebody from icy water but if the need arises there are some key things we need to keep in mind.
Attempting to rescue someone who’s fallen through the ice is dangerous and must be attempted carefully. Before taking any action, call or ask somebody else to call 911 for immediate assistance. The sooner outside help is summoned the better.
If at all possible, attempt the rescue while standing on shore by reaching out with your hands, long branch or any other object which the person may be able to grab and hold on to.
If you have already become a Ready Christian, you will have key supplies available in your automobile such as a rope. This will allow you to throw the rope to the person in an effort to affect the rescue without placing yourself or others in danger. You may want to try another larger object to make it easier to toss and grab onto by the struggling person to keep them afloat while you get help.
If you must go out on the ice, tie your rope to a secure object on shore, and the other end around your leg. Then crawl out on the ice in the effort to reach the individual. Remember to lie down to distribute your weight as evenly as possible.
When the person is able to grab the rope, ask them to start kicking which will make them more prone in the water and much easier to pull up on the ice.
After a person has been rescued, wait for the response from 911. Even a few minutes in ice cold water may cause substantial medical issues. A trained professional will do an evaluation and institute any needed treatment.
Hopefully, you will never be in a position to need to assist a person falling through the ice. But, keep in mind two critical aspects of the rescue, first be prepared with equipment such as a rope, and keep a cool head. Don’t panic by simply rushing out into the situation, which frequently causes two people to be in distress rather than one.
King Solomon wrote, “Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.” (Proverbs 24:11)
Take the step of becoming a Ready Christian and become ready to rescue others with the love of Christ.
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