Although Colorado isn’t known for its abundance of water, people frequently have fallen through ice, often while rescuing a pet or another person. As suggested in 5280’s March Survival Guide, if this happens:

  • Hold your breath until you surface.
  • Remain calm, and turn toward where you fell in–where the strongest ice will be.
  • Reach your arms as far out as possible onto the ice and pull yourself onto your elbows. Then kick–or swim–your way out of the water.
  • Once you’re on ice, crawl on your belly until you get to stronger ice.
  • Get to a warm place and out of your wet clothes as quickly as possible.
  • If you see someone else fall through the ice, call 911. Don’t venture too close to the victim on the weak ice. Instead, find something long–a tree branch, rope, or shovel–to reach to him and help drag him out. Quickly get him to a warm place.