Mayor braves icy water to help protect others

COLUMBUS, Ind. (AP) - Columbus Mayor Kristen Brown donned a special suit and went into the icy water Wednesday in Columbus, part of a training exercise for rescuers and a way to bring attention to the dangers of going out on the ice.

"The message is for folks to stay off our icy waters, not leave their dogs and children unattended," Brown said. "But if someone does fall through the ice, immediately dial 911."

Emergency crews stress there is no such thing as safe ice during a typical Indiana winter. Conditions don't stay cold enough long enough to produce solid ice that can safely support people or pets. Recent warm temperatures and rain make the situation even more dangerous.

And though the ice isn't thick, the waters below remain dangerously cold. Indianapolis Fire Department warned that hypothermia is possible if someone falls in, and within 20 minutes a person in such cold water can fall unconscious and slip completely into the water.