At 3:24 pm the Watch Hill Fire Department was alerted to a possible water rescue off of Waters Edge Road in Watch Hill. Members of WHFD responded along with the Westerly Police Department and Westerly Ambulance Corps. Chief Dennis Reall and a Westerly Police Officer arrived on scene and confirmed 2 people struggling in the icy water with what appeared to be kite boarding equipment with them. 3 Members of WHFD immediately donned ice rescue suits to make entry into the water. At the same time, Chief Reall established command and requested a response from the Westerly and Pawcatuck Fire Departments along with the New London Marine Group regional response system. WHFD members struggled to make it through the thin ice as it continued to break underneath them as they made access to the victims. The Pawcatuck Fire Department was able to obtain the use of a duck hunting boat in the water at a local marina and their crews were able to pull both victims from the water. They were transported to Avondale Marina where they were checked out by Westerly Ambulance providers and refused transport to the hospital. In total, the 2 victims and all of the 3 fire personnel who entered the water were safe and uninjured. The parties had been wind surfing in Watch Hill Harbor where they hit the ice and could not get back up. They were in the water in excess of 30 minutes but, with the right suits on, were able to keep warm and afloat.

Chief Reall commended all of the responders for their quick actions and for working as a team to rescue the two individuals. Members from both Rhode Island and Connecticut agencies continue to train together and respond to incidents in each other’s communities. In total over 10 agencies assisted in the rescue efforts including fire, police, EMS, boats, the regional dive rescue team, RI DEM, and US Coast Guard along with several of our area dispatch centers. WHFD reminds everyone that no ice is safe to be on and that anyone recreating near or on the water this time of year must take extreme precautions including having the right equipment, having a buddy system, and a plan should you become in distress.

All personnel cleared in service around 5:00 pm.