It’s warm and sunny on the banks of a storm pond in a residential neighbourhood in Warman.

But the water in the pond on this early April afternoon is  ice-cold; with a layer of frozen slush floating on its surface.

A perfect day for a swim?

Hardly.

But for members of Warman Fire Rescue (WFR), it’s an ideal opportunity to hone a set of survival skills they could be called on to use at any time. Jeremy Chaskavich, Jeremiah Klauke, George Balas and Chris Beblow suit up in cold water survival gear, secure themselves with ropes, and wade out into the freezing water to the edge of the floating ice.

They’re taking the plunge to get some hands-on practice under controlled conditions. Veteran WFR members Greg Baker, Bryce McGillis and Jennifer Cowles offer instruction and advice from the shore.

“Ice water rescue is part of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1006 certification,” said Bryce McGillis in an interview during the training session. “Every firefighter has to be certified.

“It’s 40 hours worth of theory and practical training, so it involves a lot of swimming. You have to be a proficient swimmer and be comfortable in the water because anything can happen.”

Warman, along with other departments in the North Corman Park Fire Chiefs Association, including Martensville, Dalmeny, Osler, and Langham regularly train for cold water emergencies.

Warman Fire Chief Russ Austin said the department is often called on to perform ice rescues, both in Warman’s numerous storm water reservoirs and also on the South Saskatchewan River.

“This year, so far, is the first time in five years that we haven’t been dispatched for cold water or ice rescue,” said Austin in an interview April 7. “Every incident is serious, whether it’s youngsters going through the ice near the shoreline of a pond, or a vehicle in the middle of a river.

“We’ve had some very close calls.”

Austin said thin ice in spring and fall poses the biggest hazard because it tempts youngsters to venture out where it’s not safe. He urged parents to warn their children to stay away from the ponds and the river’s edge.

“Usually when they go through the ice it’s fairly shallow,” said Austin. “It’s still a serious situation. But the worst danger in the ponds is if the ice floe itself sinks, because then it creates a wake that pulls other objects down with it.”

Greg Baker said hypothermia can set in quickly once a person falls through the ice. The best response, he said, is to somehow get back on the ice as quickly as possible.

“Many people think the initial shock of the cold water is what causes hypothermia,” said Baker. “But it’s actually the prolonged immersion in the water that saps your strength and energy.”

McGillis said time is of the essence during ice rescue operations. For firefighters, knowing exactly how to respond correctly and quickly is critical.

“The first thing is to be roped up,” said McGillis. “Once you get in the water, your survival suit has a tendency to fill up with air at the top, so you have to ‘burp’ the air out of the suit in order to be able to control your body’s movements underwater.”

He added the rescuer needs to find the “fastest and safest” way to reach the victim who has fallen through the ice.

“The colours and shades of the ice tell you where it’s rotten and where it may be safe to go on,” said McGillis. “When you get onto the ice you lay down to spread out your weight and pull yourself forward with ice picks.”

Once they reach their objective, the rescuer secures a rope to the patient. Other firefighters on shore can then pull both patient and rescuer back to safety.

McGillis said while ice rescue is challenging in ponds, rivers add a whole new dimension to the danger.

“With changing water levels and unpredictable currents, the ice on rivers is very unstable,” said McGillis. “Spring and fall are the seasons that are most dangerous.”

As the closest volunteer fire department in the area to the river, WFR members are the first to be dispatched when motorists push their luck crossing the ice.

Several times in recent years, Warman firefighters have been called on to risk their lives rescuing motorists that have gone through the ice on the river at the Clarkboro Ferry crossing. So far, there have been no fatalities, but there have been very close calls.

The river rescues generally take place at night. Navigating across unstable, broken ice in the dark requires nerve, confidence and skill.

“I don’t recommend crossing the ice at any time,” said McGillis. “It’s never completely safe.”