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PEWAUKE, Wisconsin — With temperatures soaring this week compared to last week, the Pewawukee Fire Department is urging the public to exercise caution if they plan to venture out into the ice.
Trevor Argue is a firefighter and paramedic. He and other members of the Pewaukee Fire Department blew up an ice rescue raft on Thursday.
There were no rescues to perform, but Arg said it wouldn’t hurt to be prepared.
“We can effectively do a shore rescue with that boat, get out on the ice with two rescuers, and pull the victim out of the water,” says Argue.
When Argue examined the condition of Pewaukee Lake, he said there was probably six inches of ice last week. Now, he pointed out, it’s much less stable.
“It’s just glare,” he said. “When you’re standing on the water, you can’t see what’s below. It’s too late once you’re on the water.”
On Thursday, members of the Pewaukee Fire Department were able to stand on part of the lake.
However, Arg warned those who plan to go out on the ice to wear specific clothing.
“You’ll want waterproof boots to keep your feet warm,” says Argue. “Waterproof, because if you fail, you try to give yourself the best chance of getting a favorable outcome.”
He also advised that there must be at least 2 to 4 inches of ice for someone to stand on it, and 1 foot of ice for a vehicle to drive on it. Argue said there are exceptions to these recommendations as temperatures rise.
“For safety, don’t just judge by the thickness of the ice. It could be a foot in one place and two inches in another,” says Argue.
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