Two teens rescued after falling through thin ice at Jefferson County Youth Fishing Pond

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Two juveniles, ages 15 and 16, were pulled from the Jefferson County Youth Fishing Pond at the fairgrounds in Madras after they fell through thin ice around 5:15 p.m. Wednesday.

Authorities say the teens had been trapped in the frigid water near the north end of the pond and were unable to get out on their own, calling for help and reporting extreme cold and exhaustion.​

Deputies from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and crews from Jefferson County Fire & EMS arrived within minutes and found ice just 1.5 to 2 inches thick, creating hazardous conditions for rescuers.

Deputies Charles Hatcher and Clark Linden broke through ice as they advanced toward the teens before Sergeant Ben Toops entered the pond with rescue equipment and was able to reach them.​

Both juveniles were treated at the scene for symptoms of hypothermia and taken by ambulance to a local hospital for further care. Deputies suffered minor injuries while breaking through the ice but are expected to be OK.​

Jefferson County Sheriff Jason Pollock praised the coordinated response from all agencies involved and credited quick teamwork with saving the teens.

Local emergency officials are urging the public to stay off frozen ponds, lakes and waterways, warning that ice thickness can change quickly and become dangerously unstable during fluctuating winter temperatures.