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Following a string of dangerous incidents on local waterways, the Sudbury Fire Department is issuing a stern warning to residents: stay off the ice.
The department’s plea comes after a second dog was rescued from the ice in Sudbury this season. These local scares are part of a broader, more tragic pattern across the region. Just last week, firefighters in Maynard were forced to rescue a dog that had fallen through, and a devastating incident in Eastham earlier this week claimed the lives of two dog owners who fell through the ice while walking their pet.
While Sudbury’s ponds and waterways look picturesque in the winter, fire officials warn that appearances are deceiving, and could be deadly.
“As beautiful and serene as these locations can be, there is no way to determine the stability and safety of the ice,” the Department stated. “They may be frozen over, but they are not fully strong enough to support the weight.”
The department highlighted the rapid physical toll of falling into freezing water. Hypothermia sets in almost instantly, leading to a quick loss of both fine and gross motor functions. This makes it nearly impossible for a person to pull themselves out without professional assistance.
Safety Recommendations for Residents
To prevent further tragedies, Sudbury Fire is asking the community to follow these guidelines:
- Avoid all “frozen” bodies of water: There is no such thing as 100% safe ice on local ponds or streams.
- Leash your pets: Dog walkers are “strongly urged” to keep dogs on a leash when near water to prevent them from wandering onto thin ice.
- Heed weather warnings: Pay close attention to local news reports regarding ice conditions, which have been volatile over the past several weeks.
“Please be safe and avoid walking on ‘frozen’ bodies of water,” the department urged.