Bemus Point NY
The volunteers at the Bemus Point Volunteer Fire Department were back on the ice this week for our annual cold-water rescue drills!
With temperatures fluctuating, ice conditions can change in an instant. Their crews practiced rapid deployment with our specialized air-propeller boat to ensure we are ready the moment a call comes in. In freezing water, every second counts—victims can lose mobility in as little as 5–10 minutes.
Ice safety is no accident, these are some tips you must know:
Before you head out to fish or ride, remember:
- No ice is 100% safe. Thickness is never uniform. • Check the 4-inch rule: At least 4 inches of clear, new ice is needed for walking/fishing. • Carry Ice Picks: They are the cheapest life insurance you can buy—wear them around your neck to help pull yourself out if you fall through. • Avoid “Bubblers”: Stay clear of docks with bubblers, as they create dangerously thin ice that can be hidden by snow.
If you see someone fall through: STAY BACK, DIAL 911, and try to reach them with a rope or pole from a safe distance. Never go onto the thin ice yourself!
Help keep Chautauqua Lake safe this season.