WBIW.com News - state

Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana

Seconds Count In Ice Rescues; State Police Divers Show How To Save Yourself

Last updated on Thursday, December 22, 2016

(UNDATED) - In a demonstration earlier today the Indiana State Police Dive Team provided some tips for rescuing yourself in the event of falling through the ice on a lake or pond, and tips for rescuing another person if you see them fall through the ice.

Before you go onto any ice for activities:

If you fall through the ice: To assist with the rescue of another person who has fallen through the ice: Do not run onto the ice towards the hole where the victim is located! This typically leads to a second victim in the water.

Remember Preach, Reach, Throw, Row, Do not Go

PREACH - While you are calling 911, talk to the victim. Encourage self-rescue using the techniques above, and let the victim know that you have called for help and that it is on the way.

REACH - Do not leave the safety of the shore and do not use only your hands/arms during a reaching rescue! Use anything available to extend your reach to the victim, such as rope, stick/branch, jumper cables, handle of a garden tool, etc. If the victim is pulling you onto the ice, let go of the object used for the reaching rescue.

THROW - Use a rescue rope bag, dock line, or anything that will float to throw to the victim. You may have to improvise; keeping in mind even simple things like an empty one-gallon milk container can provide enough additional buoyancy for a victim to keep their head out of the water. If the victim is losing the ability to grasp onto objects, try to have them tie the rope or line around them.

ROW - Look around the immediate area, sometimes small boats are left around ponds all year long. Push the small boat out in front of you to the victim. The victim may be able to hold onto the boat as they are pulled from the ice hole, or you can enter the boat and assist them into the boat. If there is an opportunity to fasten a rope to the boat before it is taken onto the ice, this will assist other people present on shore pulling the boat safely off the ice.

DO NOT GO - Unless all other techniques have failed and trained rescuers are not available do not go onto the ice to conduct a rescue. On ice, rescues by untrained and unequipped persons can quickly lead to additional victims.

It is a very sad situation when a pet or other animal ventures out onto the ice. Do not go onto the ice to rescue an animal.

These demonstrations were performed by certified scuba divers in a controlled environment. If you are ever unsure if ice is safe enough to be on then stay off.

1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com

© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Click here to go back to previous page