A Scottsburg man was rescued after he fell through the ice at Elk Creek Lake late Sunday afternoon.
According to Indiana Conservation Officer Jim Hash, 19-year-old Brady Allen had been fishing at the lake and after catching a fish fell through the ice while returning to the hole he had drilled earlier in the day.
Allen’s friend threw a jacket to him and was able to get him back on top of the ice, when he broke through again and was pulled out a second time and taken to shore.
Allen was taken to Scott Memorial Hospital for treatment of hypothermia.
Officers say ice conditions at the Lake were deteriorating due to the rising temperatures, and witnesses estimate that Allen was in the icy waters for 2-5 minutes.
Life jackets were not being used and Allen did not have any ice picks to aid in his getting out of the water.
Responders on scene also included the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, Gibson Township Fire, and EMS.
Indiana Conservation Officers urge everyone to check the thickness of ice for a minimum of 4 inches for a person, and more for heavier traffic.
Also, take and use appropriate life jackets, ice picks, and warm clothing before venturing onto frozen waterways.
