With the winter comes frozen lakes and ponds. People not aware of the danger wonder off into the semi frozen body of water thinking that it’s safe to walk and play on. It then becomes challenging when you need to be rescued. That is why the Big Bear Fire Department goes through ice rescue training.
The Big Bear Fire Department completed their annual training this week. They trained on using equipment and made sure they are ready if they are called to make an ice rescue.They practice donning and doffing the dry suits quickly. They practice getting in and out of the water safely. And they practice tying knots in the rope, discussing safety concerns, and being prepared if an ice rescue should one occur.
They go through the equipment that they use to perform an ice rescue and once they are all trained, they head out to the lake to put the training to test.
According the BBFD, it is important to keep your pets on a leash if you are taking them on a walk near a frozen lake.
Dogs have chased birds onto the ice, fallen through, and then their owner tries to go out to save their furry family member just to become a victim needing to be rescued as well.
People don’t plan to go out on a frozen lake thinking that they would become a victim.
Each year, nearly 8,000 people die from drowning after falling through ice; there is always a concern for safety regardless of whether the water is flowing or frozen.
Here is a list of what to do if you or others fall through the ice.
Keep Calm: Should you fall through, do your best to stay calm and not flail your arms, which releases valuable body heat.
Control Breathing: Due to the immediate change in body temperature and shock from the cold water, the body’s reaction is to gasp for air, which can lead to hyperventilating and increase the chances of drowning.
Do Not Undress: Keep your winter clothing on while in the water. The air inside your clothing can help you float and trap body heat.
Get Out by Staying Horizontal: Keeping your head above the water, grab onto the ice in the direction you came from. This ice should be strong enough to help you leverage your body out of the water.
Stay horizontal as best as you can to keep your weight spread out over the edges of the ice. Once you’ve gotten most of your upper body out of the water, kick your legs as strongly as possible to get the rest of your body out of the water and onto the ice.
Roll onto the Ice: Once you are on the ice, do not stand up. Instead, roll over on the ice to prevent more cracks from forming and falling in again.
Retrace Your Steps: Once you are out and a safe distance from the hole, trace your footsteps back to shore.
Throw,Don’t Go: If you have friends nearby, advise them to not enter the water or get close to the hole to help you. The safest option is for someone to throw a lifesaving device, branch, coat or rope into the water, wait until you grab hold, then tow you to safety.
Get Warm: Once out of the water, immediately seek medical attention to bring your body temperature back to normal.