The Wellesley Fire Department is reminding everyone to use caution and keep dogs leashed when walking near water during the winter.
The warning comes after fire officials dramatically rescued a dog and his owner who fell through thin ice on Lake Waban in the early evening on Sunday, January 12. The Wellesley Police Department captured drone video of the rescue effort. Waning daylight added to the concern.
Due to the quick work of WFD crews, both the dog and the person were rescued, treated for hypothermia, and are recovering.
Fire Chief Steve Mortarelli and Animal Control Officer Jennifer Smith are urging everyone to follow important safety tips to help prevent accidents like this during the winter months.
- Keep dogs on a leash when walking near bodies of water during the winter months, even if you're in an area that allows dogs to be walked under voice control. Bodies of water may appear to be frozen solid but often there is only a thin layer of ice.
- Dog owners may want to use a retractable style leash. This gives dogs more freedom to explore their surroundings than a traditional leash, but owners can shorten the length of the leash if dogs get too close to the water's edge.
- Avoid distractions and pay attention to your dog. Dogs are often attracted to birds that stand on the surface of the ice and can fall through the ice when trying to chase the birds.
- DO NOT try to rescue a dog on your own. If a dog falls through the ice, the safest approach is to call 9-1-1 immediately and monitor the dog’s location from the edge of the water.
Thank you to our firefighters who regularly train for these situations and helped turn what could have been a tragedy into an opportunity to remind everyone of simple suggestions to keep dogs and their people safe.