Ginger Zee will do anything it takes to get a good story. The Good Morning America meteorologist walked across thin ice, showing her audience just what to do if they fall into freezing cold water.
And after jumping into icy water in Logansport, Indiana, Ginger exclaimed: "I feel like my legs already can't move." The 45-year-old leaned into her training and remained calm. Using the 1-10-1 Rule, Ginger modeled how to get out of the water.
"Give yourself one minute to get control of your breathing," she explained. "You'll have a full 10 minutes of meaningful movement before you lose feeling in your arms and legs; and one hour until hypothermia sets in."
© Good Morning AmericaWhile the 1-10-1 Rule times are estimates, knowing it could save lives. As Ginger demonstrated the method, she told viewers: "It feels like [my] bones [are] breaking in this water."
Through chattering teeth, the meteorologist kept up showing the audience how to get out of icy water. "You want to get your chest as far out [onto the ice] as you can," Ginger explained. "And start kicking, like you're swimming, and pulling on the surface."
After successfully getting out of the water, she told the crew: "I think I need to warm up."
© Getty ImagesWhy is the 1-10-10 Rule important?
Ginger knew that risking herself by jumping into icy water was important. An estimated 250 people die each year in the U.S. after falling through ice covered water, according to KQ2.
On Friday, January 30, a 13-year-old boy was saved after being rescued from an icy pond in Colorado Springs. A day later and across the country in North Carolina, an 11-year-old child fell into frigid waters, and was submerged in the water for more than three minutes before being rescued.
Learning the 1-10-10 Method could save your life or the lives of your loved ones.
And as Ginger explained: "Part of this country had the coldest winter in 30 years, so places that don't ice over very often did and you have a whole generation of people that are learning what to do on ice."
She continued: "It may look solid and safe enough to walk on, but underneath that surface it could be much thinner than you know."
© GC ImagesGinger gives her all to GMA
Fans of GMA were impressed with Ginger's dedication to her craft. After the story was shared to social media, one person commented: "Ginger, you are so brave to fall in the ice water. Thank you for showing how to not panic and get out. Actually learned something today. It's totally different than I would have pictured it. Thank you! I will make sure our Grandchildren watch your video."
Another person wrote: "My husband said OMG she did that for her job ???!!! LOL You are one brave girl."
© Getty ImagesBut this wasn't the first time she gave her all for a story. In July 2025, Ginger reported on storms, flash floods, and damaging winds in Chicago. And she almost didn't make it home after thousands of flights were grounded.
Whether it's cold weather or a natural disaster, Ginger is on the case.
