WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Two water rescues in the Triad are highlighting the dangers of walking or playing on frozen bodies of water.

What You Need To Know

  • The Winston-Salem Swift Water Rescue Team and family members pulled three children from a frozen pond in the Salem Springs community Thursday 

  • The incident comes less than a week after a child died following a water rescue in Guilford County

  • As temperatures are set to plunge across the state, the Greensboro Fire Department reminds residents to be cautious around frozen bodies of water

First responders in Winson-Salem said they helped rescue three children Thursday evening after they fell in a frozen pond.

According to a joint statement by the Winston-Salem Police Department and Fire Department, all three were taken to local hospitals.

One was treated for critical life-threatening conditions.

This case comes less than a week after a child in Guilford County died after sledding into an icy pond.

Greensboro Fire Department Assistant Chief of Special Operations Bryan Vickery said people may not realize the risks of frozen bodies of water.

“We want to make sure that we get this message out in time for parents to have some conversations with kids, and we urge them to be extremely cautious around frozen bodies of water,” he said. “We know that in North Carolina the ice does not get deep thick enough to support weight.” 

He said that no one should enter frozen bodies of water and that first responders should be called to help someone get out.

“It only takes a second for someone to get in real trouble, injured, hyperthermia, possible drowning. It only takes a minute for that to occur,” Vickery said. “If you see someone going in, call 911 immediately. We have tools and equipment and protective equipment.” 

He said using an object like a rope or a branch could be helpful.

As the state braces for more winter weather, Vickery cautions residents to stay out of the elements.

“Last year was a really mild winter. We did not have any snow. We didn’t have a whole lot of freezing temperatures,” he said. “This year is a little bit different. We have had a lot of freezing temperatures.”

“Last week alone, we ran multiple ice rescues,” he said. “And we have another system coming around the corner. We have three or four days of freezing temperatures. We want to make sure that we get this message out.” 

Vickery also advised against trying to rescue animals on ice and urged adults to always accompany children around bodies of water.