This time of year several water bodies become frozen, but not completely, which is why the Cottleville Fire District is issuing a reminder to “stay off the ice” when near the water.
Public records have shown an estimated 250 number of people die each year in the U.S. after falling through ice-covered waterways.Hypothermia and frostbite can set in quickly when it’s this cold outside. The situation becomes even more dangerous if you ever fall through a frozen body of water. Cold water carries heat away from the body 25 times faster than the air of the same temperature and, as a result, the body core immediately begins to lose heat to the outside environment Within 10 minutes, a person may lose dexterity and motor function in their extremities and is at risk of drowning.” In the event you witness an ice emergency you should not venture onto the ice to attempt a rescue, instead call for help first and stay on the shoreline and try to keep the victim calm until help arrives.