Two teenagers were rescued after falling through ice Wednesday at Jefferson County Pond. Here’s the latest from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office:
Emergency responders from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Fire & EMS, and assisting agencies successfully rescued two juveniles who fell through the ice at the Jefferson County fishing pond at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, off SW Culver Highway.
At approximately 5:16 p.m., Jefferson County Dispatch received a 911 call reporting that two individuals, a 15-year-old and 16-year-old, had fallen through the ice and were submerged in the pond. Initial reports indicated the juveniles were trapped beneath the ice and unable to self-rescue.
First responders arrived within minutes and located the juveniles near the north end of the pond, toward the center. Both were partially submerged, calling for help, and reporting extreme cold, exhaustion, and loss of sensation. Ice conditions were determined to be unstable, measuring approximately 1.5 to 2 inches thick, creating significant rescue hazards.
Due to the dangerous ice conditions and the need for specialized rescue equipment, responders maintained constant verbal contact with the juveniles while coordinating additional resources. Rescue lines and equipment were requested, and deputies carefully advanced onto the ice to assess rescue options.
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Charles Hatcher and Clark Linden entered the pond area, breaking ice to move toward the juveniles. As rescue equipment was deployed, both deputies exited the water. Sergeant Ben Toops then entered the pond with rescue equipment and was able to reach the juveniles, successfully assisting in their removal from the icy water.
Both juveniles were immediately treated on scene for symptoms consistent with hypothermia and were transported by ambulance to a local hospital for further evaluation and care. Deputies reported minor injuries from breaking the ice as they entered the icy pond.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office commends the coordinated efforts of all responding agencies whose quick actions and teamwork resulted in a successful rescue.
Safety Reminder
Local emergency agencies remind the public that ice thickness can vary widely and become dangerously unstable, particularly during fluctuating winter temperatures. Community members are strongly urged to avoid walking or recreating on frozen ponds, lakes, and waterways.
