TWO RIVERS (WTAQ-WLUK) – For people heading out on the ice, falling through can happen quickly.
Exec. Petty Officer Kenneth Morris, with the United States Coast Guard, spoke with WLUK.
“Setting up events like this, because we’re not responding to this everyday takes care of that complacency and keeps our crews ready”
On Friday, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Two Rivers Fire Department held an ice rescue training at Veterans Park, despite the single digit temperatures.
Capt. Chris Kelin with the Two Rivers Fire Department.
“This is really realistic for this time of year. There are lot of fishermen out doing some ice fishing, and they’re out on these waters trying to fish and the ice is too thin in some areas”
However, this training session was a little different than normal, the Coast Guard didn’t tell its crew the training was happening, making the response more realistic.
“We got on scene, evaluated the scene, and realized we could pull him out by using our board. The two gentlemen, they went out there with the board and executed the mission,” said Petty Officer Second Class Michael Starr.
The Coast Guard said an ideal rescue time is under 30 minutes.
“We were here and had the person out within in 26 minutes. We want to get that a little bit better, set the truck up a little bit better that way it’s a lot quicker to get out on the ice.”
The agencies say while they prepare for the worst, Morris says people also need to be prepared.
“Good things to have are like; screw drivers, maybe some ice picks, proper clothing. personal flotation device”
Both agencies said although they haven’t been called on an ice rescue this winter, training session like this keep them ready.
