AMSTERDAM — Skating on the canals of Amsterdam is a beloved winter tradition (when it's cold enough to create a substantial layer of ice). But it comes with its share of hazards.

A recent video shows just how chilling the pastime can be. As a man wearing only workout shorts glides across the ice, spectators at the street level above watch with interest.

The scantily clad skater makes a crucial error, however, by venturing onto a thin section of ice. As everything crumbles beneath him, momentum carries him forward into what might be the only belly flop you'll ever see executed by an ice skater. Or perhaps "face flop" is the more accurate description.

Luckily, the ice skater turns out to be a better swimmer than he is ice thickness judger. Maneuvering through chunks of ice, he manages to escape the frigid clutches of the canal. The highlight of the video is the Good Samaritan skater who tosses a line to the skater and pulls him out while the crowd above cheers heartily.

While this incident had a happy ending, it's a good reminder to be extra careful whenever venturing out on ice. News reports show that multiple skaters have fallen through canal ice in Amsterdam in recent days.

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