TAUNTON — Chief Steven Lavigne reports that the Taunton Fire Department responded Wednesday afternoon to a report of a possible person in the water beneath the ice that was later determined to be unfounded.
On Wednesday, Jan. 21, at about 3:16 p.m., the Taunton Fire and Police Departments responded to Cain Pond off Strawberry Lane after receiving a report that fishing equipment was found on the ice, with a hole in the ice, and no people around.
Officials determined that the equipment had been on the ice since at least early Wednesday morning.
The Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (SEMLEC) Underwater Recovery Unit was also requested to assist.
Following a thorough search of the area and an investigation, officials were able to identify the individual whose equipment was on the ice and determined they were safe and not in the water.
“When we receive a concerning report like this, we treat it seriously every time and investigate it thoroughly,” said Chief Lavigne. “In this case, we were able to locate the individual connected to the equipment and confirm he was safe. We’re grateful this was not an emergency. I would like to thank our partners at the Taunton Police Department for all of their assistance, as well as SEMLEC for responding.”
The Taunton Fire Department would like to remind residents that no ice is completely safe, as it is impossible to judge ice conditions by appearance or depth alone. Many factors, including water depth, body of water size, water chemistry, currents, snow cover, ice age, and local weather conditions, affect ice strength.
Falling through the ice can be extremely dangerous and often fatal. Residents should avoid walking or driving on ice-bound bodies of water, even during sustained periods of below-freezing temperatures.
Residents are also urged to never leave fishing holes or equipment unattended on the ice. Anyone participating in winter activities on frozen bodies of water is encouraged to remain with their gear and use caution at all times.
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