On January 12, 2025, a dramatic rescue unfolded at Lake Waban in Wellesley, Massachusetts, where Ed Berger and his dog, Tommy, found themselves trapped under the ice. While enjoying a brisk afternoon walk with his two dogs, Tommy spotted some birds on the frozen surface and dashed after them, only to break through the ice and plunge into the frigid water.
In an attempt to save his pet, Berger commandeered a nearby boat. However, he also fell into the icy lake during the rescue effort. Fortunately, the Wellesley Fire Department quickly arrived on the scene. Rescuers first pulled Berger from the water before returning to retrieve Tommy. Drone footage captured the rescue, showcasing the critical techniques employed by the firefighters: they crawled on their stomachs or knelt to distribute their weight and avoid further ice breakage.
The rescuers lifted Berger from below to help him lie flat on the ice before extracting him completely. They emphasized that if someone falls through ice, it is crucial not to try lifting oneself out like in a swimming pool; instead, one should spread their arms flat on the ice and inch their way out while keeping as much of their body low as possible.
Berger, an EMT himself, later reflected on the experience, stating that it was “horrific” not being able to reach Tommy and praised the firefighters for their professionalism during the rescue. Both he and Tommy were treated for hypothermia but made full recoveries following their ordeal.