Mount Holly Township Police Department
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Three children were transported to the hospital due to cold-water exposure on Wednesday, Dec. 17
Police said the students were walking on the frozen surface of Woolman Lake in Mount Holly, New Jersey, when "the ice gave away"
Two girls were partially submerged in "chest-deep, icy water" and had to be rescued by first responders, while a male student was able to get themself out of the water
Three children have been hospitalized after falling into a frozen lake in New Jersey.
On Wednesday, Dec. 17, the Mount Holly Township Police Department shared in apost on Facebookthat three students had gotten into trouble at Woolman Lake after they had been walking on its frozen surface and "the ice gave way."
"One male student was able to self-rescue and reach land prior to officers' arrival," Chief Clifford Spencer said in the release. "Two female students were partially submerged in chest-deep, icy water when first responders arrived on scene."
Spencer added, "Officers quickly established a rescue plan, guiding the students closer to the shoreline where a rope was deployed and both were safely pulled from the water."
The students were then assessed at the scene before being taken to Virtua Hospital "as a precaution due to cold-water exposure."
They are all expected to make a full recovery.
Mount Holly Township Police Department
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"The Westampton Fire Department assisted with the response and safely entered the water to retrieve personal property belonging to the students that had been left behind during the rescue," Spencer added.
The post went on to remind members of the community that they should never consider ice to be safe.
"Ice thickness can vary significantly and unpredictably, even within the same body of water," it added.
"We are grateful for the quick actions of our officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel, as well as the cooperation of the students involved," the post continued. "We strongly encourage parents and guardians to speak with their children about the dangers of frozen lakes, ponds, and waterways," he continued. "If you observe anyone on ice or believe a situation may be unsafe, please contact the Mount Holly Township Police Department immediately."
Fire chief Craig Farnsworth from Westampton Township Emergency Services also toldCBS News, "All ice is dangerous ice. As it gets warmer, the ice gets thinner. The snow on top of the ice also makes it weaker."
"We want to make sure that we're mindful where our kids are," Westampton Township Mayor, Sandy Henley, added. "We need to be in close proximity to them and able to watch over them."
PEOPLE has contacted the Mount Holly Township Police Department and Westampton Township Emergency Services for further comment.
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