What should you avoid doing if someone else falls through the ice?

• A. Run towards them
• B. Throw them a rope or branch
• C. Yell for help together
• D. Encourage them to swim

Answer: (A)

Running towards someone who has fallen through the ice can be extremely dangerous. When you run, your weight may cause the ice to crack further, potentially putting both you and the person in distress at greater risk. It's crucial to remain calm and assess the situation from a safe distance.

Instead of running towards them, the recommended action is to throw a rope or a branch, a method that helps you maintain your safety while providing assistance to the person in the water. This allows you to stay on stable ground and reduces the risk of the ice breaking underneath you.

Yelling for help together may be beneficial, but it does not provide immediate assistance to the person in the water. Encouraging them to swim could also be harmful, as swimming may lead to exhaustion or panic, reducing their chances of survival. Thus, the focus should be on a safe method of reaching out for help rather than risking safety by running towards the ice.