People Share Their Goofy and Careless Travel Mistakes So We Don’t Make Them

Falling through ice into freezing water is no joke, even for a couple of seconds. Once you’re wet in low temperatures, you’re in danger and at risk of developing hypothermia and frostbite. You’re also likely in shock and incredibly overwhelmed, so first responders to the scene, in theory, should at least be understanding.

Unfortunately for the OP, it was not the case here, and it seems the Coast Guard was giving them a hard time and wanted to see their passport. It can be understood from their perspective if they found the OP without any context, and depending on the location, but that’s still an intensely stressful experience.