By: Vern Best
The event was held on Wednesday Feb 25 as a joint training exercise for Manistee, Wexford and Missaukee County EMS, Fire Departments and First Responders to work with dive teams and the US Coast Guard on simulating ice water rescues on hazardous inland lakes.
Also Present were Bear Lake Fire Department who hosted the event here on Bear Lake, Onekama, Cleon Townships, Village of East Lake, Manistee County Sheriff and K-9 unit, Manistee City Dive Team
At this time of year - the unpredictable weather can make lake ice extremely unsafe and lead to terrible tragedies similar to those we have seen recently.
In the event of receiving a call for help in these situations - the response and professionalism shown by these people can, and has, made the difference between life and death.
We sincerely request that you broadcast a segment about this for 2 reasons:
1) listen to the wind and appreciate the extreme cold and duress our mainly volunteer fire and EMS folks work in every day, and applaud the fact that they are willing to give up a days pay to train to go out in conditions like this.
2) please - don't put yourself in a position where these men and women are forced to have to deal with a situation like this!
When you walk out on lake or river ice - probe in front of you to check the ice strength - at this time of year be ABSOLUTELY certain that the ice will take the weight of a vehicle, and, above all, if your companion falls through, FIRST call for help - NEVER become the second victim.
SEE VIDEO OF THE RESCUE TRAINING
With great appreciation. For more information please call: Mike Ludwig, Bear Lake Fire Chief Vern Best, Bear Lake Township Supervisor
This article submitted as part of upnorthlive.com's Citizen Journalist program.
