Firefighters to Enact Ice Rescue at Lake Katherine's Winterfest

—Submitted by Lake Katherine

As far as fire lieutenant Matt Gruca is concerned five ice rescue incidents a year is five too many.

Yet, as Southland residents navigate winter, the Palos Heights Fire Protection District remains on standby, awaiting the inevitable call-out to help a person trapped on the ice.

Residents should all be aware of the dangers of stepping on to a frozen lake just this month a Downer’s Grove boy was deemed lucky to be alive after being rescued ‘cold but conscious’ from a pond, the fire protection district advises.

”We hear all sorts of excuses as to why people end up on the ice,” said Gruca, 39, who will give an ice rescue demonstration at Lake Katherine’s Winterfest on Saturday, Feb. 7.

”Kids cut across frozen lakes to take a shorter route home or see it as a free place to play ice hockey, but it is never worth the risk. If you fall through the ice the water is typically 34 to 36 degrees and hyperthermia can come on in a matter of minutes.”

Gruca is also keen to dissuade any have-a-go heroes from stepping on to the ice to rescue a person who has got into trouble.

”If someone has already gone through the ice then you know it is weak and the last thing you should do is step onto it yourself,” he instructs. ”Never try to be a hero, you have to call in professionals. The first thing you should do is call 911.”

With help on its way, Gruca advises looking for a tree branch or similar to attempt to pull the person to dry land. If that doesn’t work you can coach them through self-rescue steps.

”Tell them to kick their feet and try to get their arms on top of the ice,” he said. ”They should try to slide on to the ice to disperse their weight. Keep talking to them and try to keep them calm.“

Gruca and his team have been well trained to perform a swiftly executed ice rescue.

”The first thing we do is throw a bag attached to a 50–75 foot rope to pull the person back to shore,” he said. ”If we enter the water it is with specialized equipment, clothing and a floatation device.”

Gruca is also urging animal lovers not to risk rescue attempts for a beloved pet or creature in distress.

”People want to save pets but we’ve had people drown trying to save their dog,” he warned. “I’ve seen bystanders about to go out on to the ice to save a goose but we urge you not to put yourself at risk. Call 911.“

The Palos Heights Fire Protection District will perform an ice rescue demonstration at Winterfest at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 7. Lake Katherine’s annual Winter festival will take place from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Attractions include animals from the Big Run Wolf Ranch, an owl from Little Red School house, hayrides, crafts, face-painting, snowshoeing and stories by the lake.

Entry costs $5 a ticket with no fee for children three and under. For more information visit www.lakekatherine.org.

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