WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Recent river incidents in our region have highlighted the dangers of ice-covered water.
In the past week, rescuers responded to a person in the Susquehanna River and a vehicle submerged in the icy water.
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Tonight we talk with the First Responders about these water rescues, how they train for these situations, and what they want people to know about the dangers of ice-covered waterways.
The I-Team's Andy Mehalshick reports live from along the Susquehanna River on 28/22 News.
Recent ice water incidents in Luzerne County are putting a spotlight on the dangers of ice covered waterways.
And the first responders say these icy incidents can escalate very quickly. 28/22 News I-Team reporter Andy Mehalshick spoke with some of those first responders.
"Each incident is different, each incident is critical," said Chief Joe Temarantz, Hanover Township Fire Chief.
Hanover Township Fire Chief Joe Temarantz has been responding to ice water emergencies for more than three decades.
He has seen all kinds of water rescue situations. Just this past weekend, his fire department and others in the area responded to a vehicle submerged in the icy Susquehanna River.
At first, they did not know if a person was inside or near the vehicle. They determined the vehicle was empty, but the first responders on scene rely on their training to keep themselves safe.
"One of the things you have to do is make sure you're sound on the ice so you have to have the proper tools and a boat that can get out on the ice. You just cant use a regular metal boat, use a rubber boat. You definitely need something to hold you up if the ice melts," explained Chief Temarantz.
First responders also wear special suits when carrying out these types of operations.
Lori Bolesta is assistant foreman and an engineer with the Plymouth Fire Company Number One, which respond to water rescues. She shows us what is called a "dry suit" that first responders wear in these rescue operations.
"We're able to actually become submerged in the water, if we fall through the ice, we have extra layer of protection to keep us safe," stated Bolseta.
Chief Temarantz says they train on ice covered bodies of water, which he says can make the difference between life and death in real life ice emergencies.
"So you take on ponds, lakes where ever you can get icy water. It doesn't have to be six inches thick, it's probably better that it's not not because that's the conditions where people can get themselves in trouble with the thin ice," explained Chief Temarantz.
And Chief Temarantz urges people not to take risks on ice covered waters as we head toward spring and warmer temperatures. Again, they say you can never trust ice.
