Man Rescued After Falling Through Ice In Arlington

ARLINGTON, MA — Police rescued a 68-year-old man clinging to a piece of ice on Spy Pond after he fell through while skating with his wife late Monday afternoon. The man, and his wife who was trying to help him, were treated for hypothermia and transported to Mount Auburn Hospital. They are expected to fully recover, police said.

Rescuers arrived to find the man "conscious and alert but in serious danger," a police spokesperson said.

Officer Michael Foley was first at the scene around 4:45 p.m. He gave the man a rope to hold on to until firefighters arrived in water rescue suits. Crews used a water rescue sled to bring him back to shore.

The man who fell through is from Arlington, police said.

"Rapid response time matched with the right training and equipment made the difference in this instance, and we are very grateful that the ice skater was able to be rescued safely," Chief Julie Flaherty said.

Thought temperatures have been on the colder side lately, Arlington officials warn that it is has not been cold enough to safely walk, skate or fish on the ice in any waterway in town.

Photo submitted by Mick Beck