Did you hear the news on the Thorold Fire and Emergency Services rescue of a man who fell into the icy waters of the Welland Canal Evidently, the Thorold senior was walking his dog along the canal on Friday, February 9, when the pooch wandered onto the brim of the waterway. In attempting to retrieve the dog to the path, the senior tumbled about three meters into the water. Fortunately, the man’s phone did not drop into the water and he called for emergency assistance. Here is the rest of the story…
MEDIA RELEASE | Thorold Fire and Emergency Services
A Thorold man is lucky to be alive after he fell into the Welland Canal as he was trying to keep his dog away from the water.
Thorold Fire and Emergency Services responded to a call for a person reportedly trapped on the ice just before noon on Friday. Fire crews from Stations 1 and 2 responded to the call at the Welland Canal at the end of Dock Street. When crews first arrived on scene, they spotted a dog barking and circling an area near the lock. Crews arrived at the lock and could see a male had fallen and was clinging to the side of the wall. The male was lucky he had a cell-phone and could quickly call for help. Fire crews along with Niagara Regional Police were able to pull the victim to safety. Once the man was pulled from the water, he was treated by Niagara Emergency Medical Services.
“Always keep your pets on a leash near frozen bodies of water,” stated Fire Chief Brian Dick-son. “If a pet falls through the ice, do not attempt to rescue your pet, call 9-1-1 or seek help” added Dickson.
Thorold Fire and Rescue recently completed training on a new ice rescue program and this was Thorold’s first call of the year. “It just happened to be that the ice rescue instructors were all in today and preparing for more training this weekend”, stated Chief Brian Dickson, Thorold Fire | Emergency Services.
Thorold Fire and Emergency Services wants to remind residents and visitors to stay off of the ice and away from open water. If you are going near ice and open water always take some-one with you, tell someone your location, dress appropriately and take a cellphone. Parents should always supervise children skating or playing on or near ice. Educate them on the risks of playing on ice, and outfit them with life jackets. Never leave children alone on or near ice covered bodies of water.
Join us in commending the Thorold emergency rescue crew on this great story, and their dedicated service to our community. Read more Thorold news in our Blog section.