Rescuers Monitor Two Dogs That Fell Through Ice on Flathead Lake

Two dogs that fell through thin ice on Flathead Lake near Kings Point swam to shore and were reunited with their owners after emergency crews monitored their progress, officials said. The incident on Jan. 26, 2026, prompted a coordinated response that kept the animals safe without putting rescuers or neighbors at unnecessary risk.

Polson Rural Fire District received the initial report around 10:00 a.m. and used the reporting party’s address to locate the animals before relocating to the tribal docks at Grinde Bay Lane for nearest access. Because the canines were close to open water and the ice was reported as thin, crews asked Lake County Search and Rescue to launch its boat and provide waterborne support.

Four rescuers from Polson Rural Fire District went out onto the ice to attempt a reach rescue. As crews closed in, the dogs moved toward open water and began swimming to shore. "The rescuers were able to watch the dogs to make sure they made it to shore where other units on the ground were able to make sure they got back to their owners," officials wrote in a district statement. The Search and Rescue boat then completed a sweep of the ice shelf to ensure no other animals or people were in danger.

Both dogs reached shore safely and were returned to their owners, and no injuries to animals or responders were reported. Polson Rural Fire District thanked Lake County Dispatch and Lake County Search and Rescue for their assistance and shared video and a photo of the response on social media.

The incident underscores practical safety lessons for owners of high-energy dogs who roam lakeside ice. Polson Rural Fire District reiterated its policy to assist animals in distress on the ice only when a rescue can be conducted safely and offered direct guidance to the public: "People should never go out after animals that have fallen through the ice. This is extremely dangerous and will likely result in yourself needing rescued." The district also advised calling 911 if you suspect an animal is in distress.

For Hyperenergetic Dogs readers, the takeaways are straightforward: keep recall training sharp, leash dogs near frozen water, and treat ice as unpredictable. Local emergency teams will respond when it is safe to do so, but attempting a DIY rescue often creates a second emergency. The coordinated monitoring by Polson Rural Fire District and Lake County Search and Rescue ensured a safe outcome this time; community vigilance and caution around ice will help keep pets and people safe in future winter outings.