Three students fell through the ice at Woolman Lake in Mount Holly, N.J., on Dec. 17. One male student self-rescued while two female students were pulled from chest-deep, icy water by officers who used a rope to reach shore. All three were taken to Virtua Hospital as a precaution and are expected to recover. Officials warned that ice thickness is unpredictable and urged parents to remind children about the dangers of frozen bodies of water.
Three Students Hospitalized After Falling Through Ice at Woolman Lake in Mount Holly, N.J.
Mount Holly Township Police DepartmentSome of the students are seen partially submerged after falling in Woolman Lake in Mount Holly, New Jersey
Three students were hospitalized after falling through the ice at Woolman Lake in Mount Holly, New Jersey, on Wednesday, Dec. 17, officials said.
According to a Facebook post from the Mount Holly Township Police Department, the students were walking on the lake’s frozen surface when "the ice gave way." One male student was able to self-rescue and reach the shore before officers arrived. Two female students were partially submerged in chest-deep, icy water and required assistance from first responders.
Chief Clifford Spencer said officers "quickly established a rescue plan," guided the students closer to the shoreline, and deployed a rope to pull the two girls safely from the water. All three students were evaluated at the scene and then taken to Virtua Hospital as a precaution for cold-water exposure; authorities said they are expected to make a full recovery.
Mount Holly Township Police DepartmentThe students being pulled out of Woolman Lake in Mount Holly, New Jersey
The Westampton Fire Department assisted in the response. Fire crews entered the water to recover personal items the students had left behind during the rescue, Spencer added. Local officials praised the quick actions of police, firefighters and EMS personnel in preventing a worse outcome.
In their post, the Mount Holly Township Police Department warned residents not to assume that ice is safe. "Ice thickness can vary significantly and unpredictably, even within the same body of water," the department wrote, urging parents and guardians to speak with children about the dangers of frozen lakes, ponds and waterways. The department asked anyone who sees a person on the ice or believes a situation may be unsafe to contact the Mount Holly Township Police Department immediately.
Westampton Township Emergency Services Fire Chief Craig Farnsworth told CBS News: "All ice is dangerous ice. As it gets warmer, the ice gets thinner. The snow on top of the ice also makes it weaker."
Westampton Township Mayor Sandy Henley added, "We want to make sure that we're mindful where our kids are. We need to be in close proximity to them and able to watch over them." PEOPLE reported the original story. Authorities have been contacted for additional comment.
