The Hamilton Police Service is urging everyone to stay off the ice after six people were rescued from frigid waters.
Officers responded to a call about two youths falling through the ice near the Pier 7 Boardwalk at 121 Hiada Avenue on Saturday. The caller said several bystanders had tried to rescue the pair, but also ended up in the water.
When officers arrived, they were told a total of six people had fallen through the ice.
The officers put throw bags, a life saving device that includes rope, into the water and pulled everyone to safety.
The Hamilton Paramedic Service assessed the people who came out of the water, and one youth, who had been submerged briefly and had been exposed to the cold water for a longer period of time, was taken to hospital for further treatment.
Warnings unheeded
In a news release, police said when the two youths strolled out onto the ice, witnesses tried to warn them of their precarious position, but the youths did not return to shore. One of the youths told police they saw the ice bending beneath their feet and tried to jump away, but the ice broke and both people tumbled into the water.
Once the two were in the water, bystanders ventured out to try to rescue them, but they also broke through the ice.
“Hamilton Police are reminding residents that recent fluctuating temperatures have made ice conditions extremely unsafe,” the news release said. “Ice that may appear solid can quickly become thin and unstable. Residents are strongly urged to stay off all frozen lakes, ponds, and waterways. Entering the ice not only puts individuals at risk, but can also place rescuers and bystanders in danger.”
