Rhode Island Firefighters Rescue ‘Struggling’ Yellow Lab Who Fell Through Frozen Pond

Firefighters in Rhode Island plunged into freezing conditions to rescue a dog that fell through thin ice during 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 along Atlantic Avenue when he wandered onto Little Masachaug Pond and broke through a fragile layer of ice near the center of the pond shortly before 9 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 1.

AccuWeather reported that temperatures in Misquamicut dropped to around 15 degrees that day.

Fire officials said crews from the Misquamicut Fire Department were joined by the Westerly Police Department, Westerly Ambulance Corps, Inc., and the Watch Hill Fire Department for a cold-water rescue operation.

Volunteers arrived within minutes and found Phoenix struggling in the icy water, unable to move, while his owner waited safely on shore. Firefighters quickly put on ice rescue suits designed to protect against extreme cold and maneuvered an inflatable rescue boat toward the dog.

The team was able to lift Phoenix onto the boat and return him safely to shore in what officials described as a swift and successful rescue. Video shared by the department shows the dog remaining calm as firefighters in bright rescue gear carried him from the water.

Fire officials confirmed that both Phoenix and the rescuers were unharmed and doing well at the scene. Firefighters from both departments were evaluated by emergency personnel for signs of hypothermia but did not require treatment.

“All units cleared the scene shortly afterward — marking a successful first call of 2026,” officials said, praising the teamwork and rapid response of everyone involved.

Following the rescue, the Misquamicut Fire Department issued a warning to residents about the dangers of frozen ponds, reminding dog owners and walkers that no ice is ever completely safe.

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

If someone falls into icy water, officials recommend taking slow, deep breaths to avoid panic and reduce the risk of drowning, according to North Country Public Radio. They also advise swimming back toward the spot where you fell in and carefully rolling onto solid ground to move away from weak ice.