Children Rescued From Icy Lake In Burlington Co.

MOUNT HOLLY, NJ — Three children fell into an icy lake, including two girls who police rescued from the water Wednesday in Burlington County.

The kids were walking on the frozen surface of Woolman Lake in Mount Holly on Wednesday afternoon. The ice gave away, and they fell into the water, according to Mount Holly Police Chief Clifford Spencer.

A boy in the group got out on his own. But when officers arrived, two girls were chest-deep in the icy lake.

Officers threw a rope into the water and guided the students closer to shore, where police pulled them out, Clifford said.

All three kids were evaluated at the scene and brought to Virtua Hospital as a precaution for cold-water exposure. They are expected to recover, Clifford said.

The Westampton Fire Department retrieved the children's personal belongings that were left behind at the lake during the rescue.

No ice in the area should be considered safe to walk on, Clifford says.

"We are grateful for the quick actions of our officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel, as well as the cooperation of the students involved," Clifford said. "We strongly encourage parents and guardians to speak with their children about the dangers of frozen lakes, ponds, and waterways."