Cape Girardeau Fire Department takes advantage of frigid weather for ice rescue training

The Cape Girardeau Fire Department performed an ice rescue training Wednesday in Capaha Park Lagoon to be better prepared in the event of a tragedy on ice.

"We want to take advantage of the weather and want to simulate an actual event and get a person out of the water," said assistant chief Mark Hasheider.

He assisted his firefighters during the procedure while they took turns practicing rescues and pretending to be victims. During the exercise the rescuer crawled into the water and wrapped a rope around the victim's body. The rope was held by three firefighters on shore who pulled the victim and rescuer out of the water. Both slid onto shore.

"Ice rescuing can be extremely dangerous if you are not prepared," Hasheider said.

The ice rescuing procedure took about 10 minutes. To protect themselves from the cold water, the firefighters wore drysuits, which are waterproof and insulated. They are light and cover the whole body; only the face is exposed. Air inside prevents the person from sinking into the water. The suits are kept in the trucks in case they are needed.

Master firefighter Randy Sander, left, plays a victim during ice rescue training with Capt. Jeff Crites Wednesday at Capaha Park lagoon. (Fred Lynch)

The fire department started its ice training Tuesday and will continue today at 1:30 p.m. in Capaha Park Lagoon. Three crews at three times are rotating.

There have been no cases of ice rescuing so far this winter.