Guided by the water rescue team from Boone County, Ky., about 23 firefighters spent the day learning and practicing ice rescue techniques at Sharon Woods Lake. Acting as victim in an ice rescue drill, Bill Fitzpatrick of the Sharonville Fire Department hangs on to a rope to be pulled out of frozen Sharon Woods Lake. Rick Hatton, a public safety scuba instructor with Boone County Water Rescue. We have to remember that the victim's condition is going to deteriorate quickly.
Time is a big factor.
Water lowers body temperature 25 times faster than air does. Shivering is the first sign. If you fall through ice, try to stay calm and move as little as possible, retaining strength and body heat for survival. Call for help and hang onto the edge of the ice for support. If you see someone fall through the ice, call the rescue squad immediately but do not venture onto the ice yourself.