CURTICE, Ohio — In the winter months, it is often dangerous to be out on the ice. No matter how solid it may seem, there is always the potential of falling through.
The very real danger is why Oregon City Schools wants to make sure its students are aware and ready if it happens to them.
For the last four years, Jerusalem Elementary school resource officer Jeff Costanzo has taken time to teach ice safety lessons for all students in kindergarten through 4th grade, with help from Jerusalem Township Fire and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
"I love the fact that we get to do repetitive education for them, so it is a 'muscle memory and repeat' training," Jerusalem Township Fire Chief Tony Parsiliti said. "So it's really good."
The goal is to reiterate the dangers of going out on any ice and teach children what to do if they do fall through.
"I think younger is definitely the best way to go about it. They're sponges, they absorb everything we tell them and if we get them young and then every year give them that refresher, it's perfect," Costanzo said. "I think it's sending the lesson home, and they go home and tell their parents exactly what they've learned, and it's nice."
Costanzo said that with the proximity to Lake Erie, these lessons could save a young life.
More importantly, it teaches them how to remain calm in critical incidents.
"We teach them life lessons, you know? They're young, but these are things that can stick with them and save their life, a family member's life," Costanzo said. "So, a very important lesson."
Parsiliti attributes these sessions to a life-saving event last year.
Even though it was during warm weather, when three elementary students saw their grandfather fall into a pond, they knew exactly what to do to get help.
"They provided the first identification and notification," Parsiliti said. "And to their success, the individual came out still alive, so it was a great story."
Parsiliti suggested reaching out to your local fire department if you would like your children to have an ice safety lesson similar to the one at Jerusalem Elementary.
Editor's note: This story has been edited to correct the spelling of a name.
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