Water on many New Jersey lakes froze over quickly as temperatures plummeted this week, providing the perfect opportunity for first responders to do ice rescue training.
In Cumberland County, volunteer firefighters from Upper Deerfield Township took to Silver Lake on Thursday evening in below freezing temperatures to get into the icy waters.
Firefighters along with Upper Deerfield Fire Co. #3, Upper Deerfield Fire #1, Upper Deerfield EMS #34 and the Downe Township Dive Team #39 took turns going into the water and being pulled out.
Many volunteers had just finished work for the day when they headed out after 5 p.m. to Love Lane.
The National Weather Service in Mount Holly reported temperatures be in the teens Thursday night.
Firefighters wore special First Watch Cold Water Rescue Suits which insulated them from the cold and kept them afloat in the water.
“This time of the year ice rescue has become common,” said Upper Deerfield Township Fire Chief John Schaffer.
The reason for ice training “is to be ready,” he said.
Some people walk out on lakes or try to skate when the ice forms but they sometimes fall into the water when the ice cracks beneath them and they need to be rescued.
“The issue we have is people go onto ice not knowing how thick the ice is. A warmer day (above freezing) can dramatically change the ice thickness,” Schaffer said.
Temperatures remaining below freezing for most of the week, making it the optimum time for ice rescue training, the chief said.
“We train on ice to dial in our techniques and the cold weather and complications of being on ice cannot be replicated,” Schaffer said.
The training lasted more than an hour.
Firefighters brought back ice rescue lessons they would not be able to learn any other time of year.
“We encourage anyone who goes on ice to please check it thoroughly. If it cracks while walking do not proceed on the ice,” Schaffer said.
He said it also is important to let family or friends know if you are going on the ice and when you plan to return.
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Firefighters also are prepared to rescue pets or animals stuck on the ice or who fall into icy waters.
“We have the equipment and training to be I those environments,” Schaffer said.
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Stephanie Loder may be reached at SLoder@njadvancemedia.com.
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