Seeley Swan Search & Rescue volunteer Pat Caffrey instructs the other volunteers on the rope and pully system used by rescuers on the ice to pull a victim and rescuer from the water.
Seeley Swan Search & Rescue volunteers practiced rescuing victims in the water at the inlet of Salmon Lake March 11. Further down the lake, a group of ice fisherman had their truck out on the ice.
SEELEY LAKE - Seeley Swan Search & Rescue (SSSAR) volunteers suited up in their Ice Commander suits and went for a swim at the inlet of Salmon Lake March 11. This was part of their continued training to be prepared for the best response to the worst cold water emergency.
SSSAR Chief Gerry Connell said the volunteers train once a year for cold water rescue. They prefer to use the inlet of Salmon Lake when it is open because that eliminates the need to shovel snow and cut a large hole in the ice.
"A large hole creates a major safety hazard until it freezes again," said Connell.
SSSAR is made up of all volunteers. They assist with search and rescue operations year round. They are trained in high angle rescue, swift and cold water rescue, avalanche rescue, backcountry rescue and everything in between.
For more information or to volunteer contact Connell 210-1150.
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