While secured to shore with a rope, Seeley-Swan Search and Rescue members practice ice rescue techniques using a boat. This is one way they use to rescue someone that has fallen through the ice.
As the temperature warms, it is tempting to take advantage of the last days for ice fishing, do a little skating, or ice sailing for this season. Please be cautious and be aware of your surroundings.
Soon the ice will begin to move and shift on the lakes making noises. Pay attention to the noises, this means that the ice is melting from below the surface. Should somebody or something fall through the ice and become submerged, be aware that the water below the surface is moving. Whatever fell through the ice will likely be moving with the water, no longer at the location that was breached. Here are some guidelines to help you make the best decisions in case of an Ice Emergency.
If someone else falls in call 911 immediately. If you don't have a phone yell for help. Somebody nearby may hear you and call 911. Resist the urge to run up to the edge of the hole. Instead follow the simple guidelines of Ice Rescue.
Preach, Reach, Throw, Row
• PREACH - Shout to the victim to encourage them and reassure them that help is on the way.
• REACH - If you can safely reach the victim from shore, extend an object such as a rope or ladder to the victim. If the person starts to pull you in, release your grip on the object to ensure that you will not be pulled in.
• THROW - Toss one end of a rope or something that will float to the victim. Have them tie the rope around themselves before they are too cold to hold on.
• ROW - Find a light boat to push across the ice ahead of you. Attach some rope to the boat, so others can help pull you and the victim to safety. Push it to the edge of the hole, get into the boat and pull the victim in over the bow.
Should you fall through the ice follow some simple guidelines for self-rescue:
1. Turn toward the direction you came. That's probably the strongest ice.
2. Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface.
3. Kick your feet to become parallel with the surface and dig in your ice picks to work your way back onto the solid ice.
4. Lay flat on the ice once you are out and roll or crawl away from the hole to keep your weight spread out. This may help prevent you from breaking through again.
5. Get to a warm, dry, sheltered area and re-warm yourself immediately. In moderate to severe cases of hypothermia, you must seek medical attention. A cold heart is very sensitive and may go into ventricular fibrillation leading to death!
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