On Jan. 1 just before 9:00 a.m., a yellow Lab named Phoenix fell through thin ice on Little Masachaug Pond in Misquamicut. Volunteer crews from Misquamicut Fire Department, Watch Hill Fire, Westerly Police and Westerly Ambulance quickly rescued the dog using ice‑rescue suits and an inflatable boat. All personnel and the dog were evaluated and required no treatment. Officials warned that "no ice is ever safe" and shared cold‑water survival tips.
Rhode Island Firefighters Brave Icy Waters to Rescue Dog Who Fell Through Pond Ice
Misquamicut Fire DepartmentFire officials are seen rescuing Phoenix, a yellow lab.
Firefighters in Misquamicut, Rhode Island, waded into near‑freezing water to rescue a yellow Labrador retriever that fell through thin ice on New Year's Day.
Misquamicut Fire DepartmentPhoenix prior to his rescue.
The Rescue
Just before 9:00 a.m. on Jan. 1, a Labrador named Phoenix wandered onto Little Masachaug Pond from nearby Atlantic Avenue and fell through a fragile sheet of ice near the pond's center. Temperatures that morning dropped to about 15°F, according to AccuWeather.
Misquamicut Fire DepartmentRescuers pull Phoenix from the water.
Volunteer crews from the Misquamicut Fire Department responded within minutes, joined by the Westerly Police Department, Westerly Ambulance Corps and the Watch Hill Fire Department. Rescuers donned ice‑rescue suits, launched an inflatable boat, and recovered the dog from the water. Video shared by the Misquamicut Fire Department shows Phoenix remaining still as firefighters in orange suits lift him onto the boat and carry him to shore.
Misquamicut Fire DepartmentOfficials pull Phoenix from the water.
Aftermath and Safety Reminder
Officials reported that Phoenix and all rescuers were brought safely back to shore. Firefighters from both Misquamicut and Watch Hill were evaluated for signs of hypothermia by emergency personnel but did not require treatment. The departments praised the quick, coordinated response and called it a successful first call of 2026.
“No ice is ever safe,” the Misquamicut Fire Department warned, urging residents and pet owners to avoid walking on frozen ponds.
Authorities also reiterated basic cold‑water survival advice, citing guidance from North Country Public Radio: if you fall into icy water, try to control your breathing, swim back to the spot where you fell in, and roll or kick yourself onto the surface and away from weak ice.
The department's post included thanks to partner agencies and reminded the community that while crews train extensively for ice and cold‑water rescues, those operations remain hazardous.
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