Couple Of Humans Fall Through Ice Attempting To Rescue Their Dog – Screams Prompt Call To 911

(HALDIMAND COUNTY, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Haldimand County Detachment is warning the public to exercise extreme caution near any surfaces that may appear to be frozen after a couple and their dog were rescued after falling through the ice on the Grand River in Dunnville, Haldimand County, Ontario.

On Thursday December 22, 2016 at approximately 7:02 p.m., OPP, Haldimand County Fire Services and Haldimand County Paramedics responded to the Grand River in the area of Maple Street where it was reported that people were heard screaming for help. Multiple witnesses heard the yelling and immediately called 911.

OPP investigation determined that the couple and their dog were walking in the area when their dog ventured out onto the ice covered Grand River and fell through the ice. The couple, in an effort to save their dog, walked out onto the ice and also fell through.

Haldimand County Fire Services used their rescue boat and were able to remove the male, female and their dog from the frigid waters.

The couple were treated by paramedics for non-life threatening injuries and the dog was to be taken to a local animal hospital to be treated.

“OPP would like to thank the concerned citizens for their quick action in calling 911. This is a situation that could have had a tragic result if it weren’t for the quick action of citizens and first responders.” – Haldimand County OPP Constable Rod LeClair.

Although temperatures have been cold in the past few weeks and it may appear that there is a thick layer of ice on the Grand River or parts of Lake Erie, this is not the case.

Outdoor enthusiasts are being asked to refrain from any ice related activities until they see ice hut operators putting their huts out. These operators not only know the local waters, but will regularly test the ice thickness before allowing their ice huts to be brought out onto the ice and used.

The advice of the OPP is very simple as at this time “No Ice, is Safe Ice”.

As conditions continue to improve and the snow continues to fall, outdoor enthusiasts will soon be able to fully enjoy their recreational winter pastime of choice. Until then, please avoid going onto any surface of water that appears to be frozen until you know for certain that it is safe.

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