Kayaker Stuck On Ice Rescued At Seneca Creek Park

GAITHERSBURG, MD — Montgomery County Fire & Rescue crews rescued a stranded kayaker struck on unstable ice at Seneca Creek State Park Tuesday.

Spokesperson Pete Piringer said the kayaker paddled out to retrieve a drone and got stranded around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday in the 11900 block of Clopper Rd. in Gaithersburg.

The Special Operations Swift Water/Ice Rescue team was called in to rescue the kayaker. The fluctuating temperatures have made area ice conditions unpredictable with temperature in the upper 50s, Piringer said.

There are no reports of injury at this time.

Outdoor enthusiasts may be tempted to get out before ice is thick enough to support foot traffic, but officials warn residents to stay off the ice until at least four inches of new, clear ice is present. Officials offers the following guidelines for new clear ice:

• Four inches for ice fishing or other activities on foot.
• Five inches for snowmobile or ATV.
• Eight-12 inches for car or small pickup.
• 12-15 inches for medium truck.

Ice thickness may vary greatly across a single body of water, making it important to check the ice conditions before heading out.

Once out on the ice, a safety kit is a good idea, should the ice give way. An ice safety kit should include:

• Rope
• Ice picks
• Ice chisel
• Tape measure

Last, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.

Photo via Pete Piringer