An elderly man is warming up this afternoon after his walker tipped causing him to fall into Swan Lake at Byrd Park.
Lt. Shawn Jones with the Richmond Fire Department tells Boulevardizen that two Department of Public Works employees came to the rescue after observing the man in the bitter cold water signaling for help.
According to Jones the man is alright and " was complaining of being cold only."
In related news the Department of Parks and Recreation is advising that park goers not venture out onto the thin sheets of ice that have formed on the ponds.
"When the temperatures fluctuate above and below freezing as they have recently in Richmond, it causes a 'honeycomb' effect within the ice, which weakens it," Pope explained. "While they may look inviting, they are dangerous."
The department has posted "No Skating" signs around all park lakes. This includes the three lakes at Byrd Park, the Azalea Garden Pond and Young's Pond at Bryan Park, and the lake at Forest Hill Park. The signs use a symbol of a man ice skating with the familiar circle and bar stamped across it.
For more on things you shouldn't do at Byrd Park visit NBC12.com
