Two boys fell through the ice on the Navesink River in Rumson on Monday afternoon, prompting police to issue a plea for people to stay clear of the dangerous conditions.

"We are begging people to stay off the ice -- begging them," Rumson police Chief Scott Paterson said said. "It looks safe but it's not. They got very lucky."

After the first boy fell through the ice off 1st Street around 1 p.m., a second boy also fell in trying to help his friend, Paterson said. Both were in the river for about three minutes, but managed to get out before police arrived, Paterson said.

EMS workers also arrived but neither boy had to go to the hospital, Paterson said.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.