This morning I saw a line of Fire vehicles heading down into Clifton Beach, so I followed.
It was ice rescue practice, and it was pretty interesting.
First, a hole was needed in the 18" thick ice.

It was not easy.


Bring out the chain saw!

more pounding and chopping.


Still trying, almost 2 hours!


Finally a hole in the ice.

Using ice awls to get out.




Rookies seemed a little slower on getting into the water.

Where the pros...






Drag him out!


By the end of the exercise, they all seemed pretty comfortable in freezing water.
And for all of us, that is a very good thing.
55 photos of the practice here:
http://www.lakewoodobserver.com/photoblogs/jim-obryan/lakewood-fire-ice-resuce-practice
Great Work Lakewood Fire Department!
.