MCFD/Firefigthers practice ice rescue training.
Members of the Margate City Fire Department braved the icy waters of the lagoon to practice rescuing people who might fall through the ice.
The specialized training program was held in the bay between Bayshore and Lagoon drives.
It was the first time in many years that the lagoons have frozen over, offering a rare opportunity to provide firefighters with the ice rescue training needed to protect lives of those who might venture out onto the ice and fall into frigid waters.
Margate Fire Chief Dan Adams said members of Platoon 2 practiced simulated rescues thanks to perfect, albeit frigid temperatures, which have frozen sections of the bay close to the shoreline.
“The conditions were perfect for this training with ice thickness around four inches,” Adams told Access Network. “All personnel rotated through positions in this training, working as rescuers and victims as well as land crew members.”
The training included how to rescue someone on the ice and in the water. During the training program, firefighters wore protective ice suits for their safety.
MCFD/Looks like fun, but don't try it, Fire Chief Dan Adams said. Adams said the fire department will continue with the training for all four shifts as long as weather conditions allow.
More importantly, Adams cautioned everyone to refrain from stepping out on the ice.
Walking onto ice formations on tidal waters is extremely dangerous. Unless the ice is thick enough to withstand the weight of a child, adult or animal, the ice could easily break and the person or animal could fall into icy water, causing panic and hypothermia, which could be deadly.
“The thickness and conditions are ever changing, and it would be hazardous for anyone to be on the ice,” he said. “Stay away and stay off the ice.”
