First Responders Rescue Child From Frozen Pond

UPDATE: 

The mother of the child who walked onto a frozen pond on Monday addressed how the situation unfolded.

The mother said her mother-in-law was watching the child, who had a life jacket on because those are the rules for being around the family's pond.

"He took off on her and ran around the other side of the pond where there was ice," the mother said.

The family's dogs ran onto the frozen pond, which prompted the child to follow.

The mother said 911 was contacted before he fell through.

"The first responders were a godsend and he was care flighted," the mother said. "He is home safe with no side effects. We were extremely blessed today and can not thank everyone involved enough."

Earlier

First responders on Monday rescued a child who had fallen through the ice in a frozen pond in Cuba. 

The child was wearing a personal flotation device.

According to Sheriff Darin Layman, the incident occurred in the 300 block of South Elliston Road.

The child was taken to a St. Louis area hospital for treatment and an investigation is underway.

Layman said deputies, ambulance, Missouri State Highway Patrol and Cuba Fire were called to the scene, finding a small child floating in the water approximately 75 feet from the bank of a pond.

The child's head was above water and supported by the flotation device.

Several attempts were made to reach the child with a rope to no success. 

A marine trooper with the highway patrol attempted to crawl onto the surface, but the ice was too thin. 

A deputy located a small boat that allowed the trooper to retrieve the child.

Layman said the incident is a reminder of the dangers of ice-covered waterways and ponds.

"It's impossible to judge the strength of ice by its appearance or daily  temperature," Layman said. "Ice forming on lakes, rivers, and ponds can place a person at much greater risk due to  natural variables."

Layman said children can easily be attracted to ice covered private ponds for skating and playing.

"Presumably, the only "safe" ice is the ice at a skating rink," Layman said. "Never let them play on ponds or lakes unattended."

Adults should educate children about the dangers of playing on ice and always supervise children playing on or near ice, the sheriff said.

"Also, insist that they wear a lifejacket/PFD or thermal protection buoyant  suit when on or near ice-covered ponds or waterways, when engaging in recreational activities," he said. "This is useful information for adults, too!"