Lakeshore firefighters brave cold as part of ‘ice water rescue training’

By Matt Weingarden – The Lakeshore News Staff

Last weekend, twenty-five Lakeshore firefighters from Stations 1, 2, and 5 braved the winter elements as part of their annual ice water rescue training certification at Belle River Marina.

 While there was little water to be found under two thick layers of ice, responders did get the chance to practice some of the techniques needed to ensure the safe rescue of individuals, who may fall through ice.

According to Jeff Pulleyblank, assistant deputy fire chief with the Lakeshore Fire Department, having such a vast presence of shoreline, inlets, ditches and retention ponds the Municipality it is required to provide proper life-saving and standardized training to the 81 full time firefighters and volunteers. Pulleyblank says the Province is transitioning to mandatory certification and this is part of the process over the next four to six years.

“This in particular is one of those skills that is very low frequency but, very high risk,” said Pulleyblank.

“We find our firefighters in this type of situation a couple of times a year and its vitally important to keep those skills up. So, we train about a dozen times a year in different water conditions.”

Pulleyblank cites situations where snowmobiles and people falling through the ice can happen when residents fail to heed warnings. Deep ditches are also a concern to drivers, farm equipment operators and towing companies. 

“We have some very deep ditches in the eastern part of the municipality and people can easily and do put their cars into those culverts, said Pulleyblank.

So, what’s it like to wear a waterproof suit?

“Well, you’re very warm,” laughed Pulleyblank. “There is a certain loss of dexterity and if you are wearing a hood, you lose a couple of senses. However, if you are wearing the suit, it allows you to be in the water for several hours in freezing conditions. It’s like a big Gumby suit really.”

Crews will be back in action at Belle River Marina this Saturday, for the second of four planned training exercises throughout the month of February and March – when ice conditions can change on a daily basis.

“We have about a dozen new hires that are experiencing training sessions for the first time,” he added.

Although it was a very chilly day, weather conditions were ideal for the training exercises.

“It was cold however, the weather did not play a negative part in the exercises,” said Pulleyblank. “It’s a part of the job and the everyday environment we deal with.”

While Lakeview Park remains open to the public this weekend, residents are asked to give space to firefighters participating in the training exercise.

Pulleyblank and the Lakeshore Fire Department wish to remind residents that ‘No Ice is Safe Ice.’

“If you’re going to take those risks, make sure to take them as calculated risks,” said Pulleyblank. “Remember, its not just your life on the line, but also those first responders…be smart about the ice conditions.” 

For tips on what you can do if you fall through the ice, visit the Canadian Red Cross’ guide online here.

 With files from Alex Denonville