Even though Spring is slowly approaching in the Northeast, it is evident that winter is still fully upon us. The winter season brings frozen precipitation; cold, northern winds; and freezing temperatures. Although some areas are more accustomed to this climate than others, the same hazards exist for us all, one being the freezing of lakes and ponds.

These frozen water areas are often seen as “playgrounds” on which to skate or play hockey. However, in an instant, they can transform into rescue scenes with victims falling through the ice into the frigid water below. As an all-hazards industry, the Pleasant Valley Fire District must be prepared for these emergencies, train for likely situations, and plan for our course action.

The normal sequence for water rescues is “Reach, Throw, Row, and Go,” with an actual contact rescue being the last option. However, with ice rescue, the “Go” aspect is often the most practical; the victim is usually hypothermic, confused, and unable to assist in any type of self-rescue. For these reasons, the ability to quickly and efficiently affect a contact rescue is necessary.

Recently five members of the Pleasant Valley Fire District traveled over to Rifton in Ulster County to participate in a weekend-long 16-hours ice rescue training class with four other Ulster County fire districts. These members honed their skills inside and then went out into the cold on the frozen lake. Currently, there are 20 members of the Pleasant Valley Fire District that are ice rescue qualified.

Practice doesn't make perfect...PERFECT practice makes perfect!