Firefighters Conduct Ice Dive Drills On Lake Mahopac

MAHOPAC, NY — Members of the Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department spent part of Sunday on frozen Lake Mahopac for their annual ice diving drill.

Two holes were cut in the ice so the divers could gain access to the water below. Once they were prepped for entry into the freezing cold water, they conducted multiple dives. They practiced their search patterns as well as backup procedures.

Other members practiced the land-based operations, including selecting and using the correct equipment, using the correct signals to communicate with the divers, ice diving protocols, and how to correctly set up the pulley system to ensure all necessary gear can be brought on and off the ice without any issues.

Once the divers completed their dives, the department's EMS crews monitored their vital signs

Ice diving is difficult and challenging, and can also be extremely dangerous. Conditions, such as limited access and exits, are difficult and take a lot of practice to master. Proper skills and education for the diving environment are key to a successful and safe operation, MFVFD officials said.