It was a split-second decision that made all the difference.
As reported by CBS News, when car dealership employee Max Castro saw kids struggling in an icy pond in Attleboro, Massachusetts, he acted without hesitation. He grabbed the nearest tools—a few snow brooms—and ran to help.
“Forget about the sale,” he said. “Save the kids. That’s it.”
Thanks to his quick thinking and teamwork with bystanders, all four children—who had been walking home from school when one fell in and the others tried to help—were pulled safely from the frigid water.
As temperatures fluctuate in late winter, ice conditions become unpredictable, making safety awareness more important than ever. Here’s what parents need to know to keep kids safe.
Related: Hero truck driver in Ohio saves 4-year-old found wandering on busy road in the cold
Why late-winter ice is riskier than it looks
Frozen ponds and lakes can seem solid, but as temperatures rise and fall, the ice weakens—even when it appears thick.
Experts warn that February and March bring the highest risk for ice-related incidents, since melting and refreezing creates hidden weak spots.
While anyone can fall through ice, young children are particularly vulnerable. Recent data shows that more than 50% of ice-related drownings involve children under 9. But talking to kids about ice safety can be life-saving.
5 essential ice safety tips for parents & kids
Before heading outdoors, take a few moments to go over these simple but life-saving reminders with your child:
- “Check with an adult first.” Ice should only be walked on if authorities have confirmed it’s safe.
- “Watch for warning signs.” Ice that is cracking, slushy, grayish, or has water pooling on top is unsafe.
- “If someone falls in, get help—don’t go in after them.” Instead, call 911 and use a branch, rope, or other object to help from a safe distance.
- “If ice starts cracking, lie flat and roll away.” Spreading weight evenly helps prevent breaking through.
- “Dress warmly just in case.” Waterproof layers and life jackets help conserve body heat if a child gets wet.
What if a child falls in? Here’s how to react
If your child ever finds themselves in icy water, knowing what to do can help them stay safe:
- Stay calm & try not to panic. Sudden movements can break the ice further.
- Turn back toward the direction you came from. That ice is likely stronger than the area that just broke.
- Use a ‘breaststroke kick’ while pressing onto the ice. This technique increases the chance of getting out safely.
- Once on the surface, roll away from the hole instead of standing up immediately. Standing too soon could cause a second break.
- Get dry and warm up gradually. The Red Cross warns against warming too quickly—do not place a person in hot water. Instead, remove wet clothes, wrap in blankets, and give warm (non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic) drinks.
Many safety experts recommend practicing ice rescue techniques as a family—just like a fire drill—to make them second nature.
The bottom line
Late-season ice is unpredictable, and first responders stress that the safest choice is to stay off it entirely. But kids are curious—and if they find themselves near frozen water, knowing what to do can be life-saving.
A five-minute conversation today could make all the difference tomorrow. Go over these simple ice safety rules with your child so they’re prepared, not panicked, if the unexpected happens.
Related: This Texas bus driver is being called a ‘hero’ for saving a choking first-grader’s life
Sources:
- Think Twice Before Going Near Cold Water or Ice. Red Cross. Think Twice Before Going Near Cold Water or Ice.
- Outdoor Winter Safety. National Weather Service. Outdoor Winter Safety.
- More Children Drowning as Warming Temperatures Create Unstable Lake Ice. Universtiy of Wisconsin-Madison. More Children and Youth Drowning as Warming Temperatures Create Unstable Lake Ice.
- Coast Guard urges caution on Great Lakes ice as temperatures rise. Huron Daily Tribune. Coast Guard urges caution on Great Lakes ice as temperatures rise.
