Video footage of the incident shows firefighters in ice protection suits carrying the terrified pup back to shore

Firefighters in Rhode Island braved freezing water to rescue a dog after the pet fell into an icy pond while on a New Year’s Day walk.

According to a Facebook post from the Misquamicut Fire Department (MFD), a yellow Labrador retriever named Phoenix was walking with his owner down the coastal locale’s Atlantic Avenue when he wandered onto Little Masachaug Pond and “fell through a thin layer of ice near the center” just before 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 1.

AccuWeather reported that Misquamicut reached lows of 15 degrees on Thursday.

Fire officials said that firefighters, as well as the Westerly Police Department, Westerly Ambulance Corps, Inc., and Watch Hill Fire Department, were dispatched to the scene for a water rescue.

“Volunteers were on scene within minutes and located Phoenix, a yellow lab, struggling in the water and unable to move with his owner safely on shore,” the fire department shared.

Rescuers quickly sprang into action, donning ice rescue suits, which protect a person’s skin from frigid water, and helping Phoenix onto an inflatable rescue boat — “making a swift and successful rescue,” fire officials added.

Video footage shared by the department shows the yellow Lab holding still as fire officials in orange suits lift him out of the water and carry him back to shore.

“Phoenix and the rescuers were safely brought back to shore and were all doing well when on scene,” officials said.

According to the department, firefighters from both MFD and WHFD were evaluated by emergency personnel for any symptoms of hypothermia, but didn’t require treatment.

“All units cleared the scene shortly afterward — marking a successful first call of 2026,” fire officials said. “All of the Chiefs from MFD and WHFD extend kudos to everyone involved for their quick response and teamwork this morning.”

The MFD also issued a warning to the local community about icy ponds, reminding dog walkers that “no ice is ever safe.”

“Our firefighters train extensively for cold water and ice rescues, but these situations are extremely dangerous,” the agency added.

If you fall into icy water, officials recommend taking deep, slow breaths to prevent drowning, according to North Country Public Radio. You should then swim back to the same spot where you fell in before, slowly rolling yourself up onto the surface and away from weak ice.