Firefighters Save Arlington Family Who Fell Through Ice At Spy Pond

ARLINGTON (CBS) - An Arlington couple is crediting fast action by firefighters for saving their lives, and the life of their three-year old. "A lot more could have gone wrong," said Maria Terra-Diaz today.

It was Sunday around 5:30 when the couple went for a walk with their 3-year-old son. They ventured onto the ice at Spy Pond, and about 25 yards from shore, they fell through and into the freezing water.

"We went for a stroll, and then onto the ice without thinking," said Maria.

WBZ-TV's Bill Shields reports

Passersby heard their calls for help, and dialed 911. The first firefighters were there within three minutes, with firefighter Paul Moniz, in a survival suit, crawling out onto the ice.

"He got his way about 25 feet in, he fell through a hole, worked his way out of a hole, and made his way to the family," said Deputy Chief Jim Bailey. "When he did, he grabbed the child, and headed back to shore."

Watch Raw Video From The Scene

Just then, other firefighters were making their way out to the couple, who were treading water. Within minutes, they too were out of the frigid water. "We're all well now, but it was a bad experience," said Maria. "We're very thankful to the police and firefighters. "