Columbia Firefighters to practice ice water rescue skills.
While the weather is still cold in Columbia, firefighters are practicing their ice water rescue skills from Wednesday through Friday.
According to a news release, the training will take place at a lake that is part of Bass Pro property. Fire trucks and firefighters will be present on the ice for a couple of hours during each session. There will two training session each day. One will be at 8:00 a.m. and one at 1:30 p.m.
The CFD responds to about 10 ice water rescue calls each year, the release stated, with the majority involving animals that have gone onto the ice and fallen through.
CFD is trying to get the training done now, as forecasts predict sunny skies and a temperature in the 40’s for the coming week. Although it is still safe to ice skate and fish at local Columbia parks, the release says ice conditions could become dangerous in the near future.
To keep up on current ice conditions, check the announcements section of the city Parks and Recreation’s Web site.