Over the weekend, a group of ice fishers needed rescue at Wind Lake. As reported by WISN, "several people" were pulled from the icy waters on Saturday night. Personnel from the Racine County Sheriff's Office, Norway Fire and Rescue, Franklin Fire Department, and Rochester Fire Department responded to the scene.
First responders found the men standing on their partially submerged UTV, nearly 2,100 feet from shore, in waters 10 to 15 feet deep. One of the three men was hospitalized, while the other two were released to their families. FOX6 Now reported that a Rapid Deployment Craft (RDC) was used to bring all three individuals safely to shore.
Following the rescues, local ice fishers are urging caution. Experts recommend that if someone falls through the ice, they should keep their hands and arms above the broken ice while searching for solid ground. It is advised to crawl or roll to distribute weight evenly, and then move to a warm, sheltered area to prevent hypothermia, which can be life-threatening. The guidance also includes not standing up after getting out of the water to reduce the risk of heart attack or death from cold water hypothermia. As TMJ4 News reports, medical attention is needed after self-rescue.
