NJ Teens Rescued From Frozen River Island After Smart Call

Two teenagers stranded on a frozen island in New Jersey's Hackensack River showed wisdom beyond their years when they chose safety over risk.

The teens had walked across frozen ice to reach a small island near Grove Street in Oradell on Friday night. When they tried to head back, they quickly realized the ice had become dangerously thin and unstable.

Instead of attempting a risky crossing that could have ended in tragedy, they made a smart decision. They stayed put and called for help.

Oradell Fire Department crews arrived with an ice rescue sled, a specialized piece of equipment designed exactly for situations like this. The firefighters carefully navigated the treacherous frozen surface to reach the stranded pair.

Within hours, both teenagers were safely back on solid ground. Neither suffered any injuries during the ordeal or the rescue operation.

Oradell Emergency Management deployed a thermal imaging drone during the rescue to help crews monitor ice conditions and track the teens' location. The technology gave firefighters real-time information about the safest approach path across the frozen river.

Why This Inspires

This story could have ended very differently. Every winter, people fall through thin ice trying to self-rescue or reach someone in trouble. These teenagers recognized the danger and chose to wait for trained professionals with proper equipment.

Their decision to call for help rather than gamble with their lives demonstrates exactly the kind of judgment that saves lives. Fire departments train extensively for ice rescues because they know panicked decisions on frozen water often turn bad situations into fatal ones.

The successful rescue also highlights how modern technology like thermal drones now gives first responders tools that make dangerous rescues safer and more efficient. What might have been a hours-long search in darkness became a coordinated operation with eyes in the sky.

Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is admit you need help and wait for it to arrive.