Indiana Conservation Officers did some ice training on Lake Wawasee last week, cutting through 20 inches of ice. (Photo provided)
SYRACUSE, Ind. — Indiana Conservation Officers scuba divers converged on Lake Wawasee last Wednesday to practice rescue and recovery operations for ice related emergencies.
Divers and their support staff practiced preparing for the worst case scenario: a person falling through the ice and needing emergency assistance.
The divers are well equipped with thermal suits, full face masks complete with a built in communications system, and ropes and harnesses for their safety during dives. The Indiana Conservation Officers dive team trains year-round for rescuing victims who fall through the ice, recovering drowning victims, recovering evidence to crimes and recovering motor vehicles that become submerged in the water.
This dangerous work often calls the officers away from home at all hours of the day and night. Cpl. Jon Engle stated, “We like to train for what we hope never occurs.” Cpl. Engle supervised the training with officer safety always at the forefront.
In the event you witness someone fall through the ice, call 9-1-1 immediately and the Indiana Conservation Officers dive team will be called to service, along with local emergency response personnel. The dive team is prepared for quick responses and have trained to be dressed into their scuba gear and deployed into the water within minutes of arriving on scene.
Fisherman and those who recreate on the ice should be aware that with the warmer temperatures expected soon comes more dangerous ice conditions. Children should always be supervised while playing on the ice and adults should take necessary precautions as well to prevent falling through the ice. Remember “No Ice is Safe Ice.” Always check on ice conditions before heading out. Using augers to drill holes in the ice so it can be measured is the safest way to determine ice conditions.
Indiana Conservation Officers recommend 4 inches of ice for pedestrian traffic, 5 inches for snowmobiles and four wheelers and at least 10 inches of good, clear ice before operating a motor vehicle on it. It is always a sound practice to wear a personal flotation device whenever you are on the ice, just in case the unthinkable happens.