Dangerous icy patches

Dog broke through ice and was in danger of drowning

The curious dog Sarah was rescued from the ice-cold gravel pond by the fire department. Hypothermic, but otherwise in good health.(Bild: Freiwillige Feuerwehr Wiener Neustadt)

There was a last-minute rescue for dog Sarah in Wiener Neustadt. The animal ventured onto the much too thin ice surface of a gravel pond in Brunnerstraße and collapsed. The volunteer fire department rushed to the rescue and saved the desperate animal. 

The thin layer of ice on a gravel pond in Wiener Neustadt was the curious four-legged friend's undoing. The ice gave way and the dog fell into the water. The animal was unable to free itself. The dog's owner didn't know how to help herself either, which is why she made the right decision and called the fire department.

The fire department warns against walking on icy surfaces
Walking on icy surfaces in mild temperatures is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. When temperatures are above freezing, the ice quickly loses its stability, even if it still appears stable at first glance. Particularly treacherous are invisible weak points, which can be caused by uneven layer thicknesses or cracks. Such areas often collapse suddenly and unexpectedly, which can lead to life-threatening situations.

In this case, fortunately, it ended well. Sarah was rescued by the fire department, chilled but safe and sound, and handed over to her worried owner.