MARLBOROUGH- With only a few weeks left of winter, activities like ice skating are better off done indoors. When it comes to frozen bodies of water, Marlborough Fire Battalion Chief, Ken MacEwen, wants to remind residents that there is no such thing as safe ice.
Marlborough saw more sun than snow this winter season. While temperatures may drop at night, they warm right back up during the day. With these fluctuating temperatures, ice safety becomes even more important. Ice that freezes at night and melts during the day is not strong enough to bare any activity. When it comes to ice, the clearer, the better. Clear ice is an indicator of stronger ice. However, Chief MacEwen warns that you never truly know what is beneath you until you cut a hole.
In the last 2 weeks, at least six ice rescues occurred in the New England area. If you find yourself in this situation, remain calm, call for help and try your best to get back onto the ice. Once you are on the ice, roll away from the hole, keeping your body as flat as possible. If you are a witness, call 9-1-1 immediately. Do not attempt to rescue anyone yourself, the fire department is trained with special wet suits and safety boats for these dangerous situations.
Chief MacEwen's number one tip for staying safe in the winter is keeping off any outdoor ice.