What to Do If You See an Animal or Pet in Distress on the Ice on Simonton Lake in Elkhart, IN

During the winter months, Simonton Lake in Elkhart, Indiana, transforms into a frozen playground for ice fishing, snowmobiling, and peaceful outdoor recreation. However, it can also become a dangerous place for pets and wildlife that venture too far onto the ice. Every year, reports surface of dogs, deer, or other animals stranded or falling through thin ice--and well-meaning people putting themselves at risk trying to help. If you see an animal in distress on the ice, it’s important to act quickly, but safely.

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
If you spot an animal or pet struggling on the ice, your first instinct may be to run out and help. Do not do this. Ice conditions can be unpredictable, and venturing out without proper equipment can quickly lead to a double emergency--endangering both the animal and yourself.
Instead, observe from a safe distance and determine:

• Is the animal moving or stuck?
• Has it fallen through the ice or is it unable to return to shore?
• How far from the shoreline is the animal?

Understanding the situation will help you communicate clearly when you report the emergency.

 Contact Authorities Immediately

Call 911 or the Elkhart County Dispatch Center to report the incident. You can also contact:

•   The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at 812-837-9536
• The local animal control officer or Elkhart County Humane Society
• The Simonton Lake Fire Department if the situation is urgent and life-threatening 

Provide exact details: location on the lake, what type of animal it is, how far it is from the shore, and whether the ice looks stable.

These agencies have specialized ice rescue equipment and training to respond safely and efficiently.

Do Not Attempt a Rescue Alone
While it’s natural to want to help, walking onto ice to rescue an animal can be fatal. Even if the ice appears solid, it may be dangerously thin in certain areas--especially near springs, inlets, or under snow cover.

If the animal in distress is your own pet, call them calmly from the shore. Do not encourage them to run or panic. Tossing a rope or flotation device from a safe distance may help in some cases, but always wait for trained responders.

Prevent Future Incidents

• Keep pets on leashes near frozen lakes.
• Educate children about ice safety and what to do in emergencies.
• Post signs near high-traffic areas warning of thin ice and animal rescue dangers.

Your compassion could save a life--but only if you act wisely. On Simonton Lake, if you see a pet or wild animal in distress on the ice, remember: stay off the ice, call for help, and let the professionals do the rescuing. You’ll be protecting both the animal--and yourself.