The volunteer Rescue and Fire Fighters in Copper Harbor, recently had an ice rescue practice/training, so that they’re prepared in case those skills are needed to rescue someone that has fallen through the ice on either Fanny Hooe or on Lake Superior. Michael Musiel was on hand there also, and snapped a few photos to share, showing a bit of what these volunteers do, on their own time, mind you, to make sure folks are safe and can be helped in an emergency. A HUGE thank you to all the volunteer rescue and fire fighters around the area, that give freely of their time to train for emergencies and fire fighting like they do.

Michael’s video gives you an idea of the actual scenario when someone has fallen through the ice and how they handle getting them out safely, along with getting themselves back out of the freezing cold water, too. Actually going through all the motions is the best type of training, rather than just reading about what and how you need to proceed to rescue someone. Kudos to the folks that set this up and helped to train these volunteers.

Those Hero's do not get the appreciation that they
deserve!! Thank you for what you do, you quite often
risk your own life to save others, you truly are
amazing, and we are grateful that you are here to
help and serve we salute you all, First Responders
are real life Action Hero's!!

Hi
It's great that volunteers are willing to help, and
also that training & practice are available. I think
most of us would have an unthinking response to try &
help. However, without knowing safe techniques, we
could wind up needing rescue ourselves.

God Bless every single volunteer we have and I'm
sure there are many more we don't even have a clue
about!!!

Huge thanks to every single volunteer on this
planet! It wouldn't work without you all.

Thank you to all of these volunteers. I can't
imagine having to go into that water. I salute you
all.

A lot of that happening right now because of the warmer temperatures,
including the rescuing of animals.
Many thanks to them all!!!

A big thank you to all volunteer First Responders.

I wonder which would be more difficult. Performing that rescue as shown when both the rescuer and the victim are wearing warm exposure dry-suits or performing it in street clothes including a now soggy winter coat. The exposure dry-suit makes for extreme lack of mobility, but several seconds in the cold water makes it the winner of difficulty. When there isn't time to suit-up, having cold water experience is useful.

I wonder if the Houghton/Hancock First Responders have a relationship with the air boat I recently saw on the Mt. Ripley webcam. I would never venture onto any ice without making preparations for self rescue.