Weather Wise: Ice Diving

The onset of winter weather has provided the right conditions for some specific training for Lewis and Clark Search and Rescue. In this week's Weather Wise, we take to the lake for some ice diving.

The Lewis and Clark County Search and Rescue team met at Spring Meadow Lake this weekend with one goal in mind.

"We are going to practice some ice diving. Three Divers are going down, just doing a dive scenario," says Diver, L&C Search and Rescue, Jim Sheppard.

The rescue team practices diving once a month, but ice diving is a different story. The layer of ice, and frigid temperatures add extra risk.

"Due to the dangers of the ice, diving under the ice, we may do it once a year. A lot of dangers for a diver to go under," says Sheppard.

So far this winter has been quiet. But Jim says they respond to at least one or two ice-related emergencies each year, so the team is eager to get back in the water for a mock simulation.

"You could do it with a minimum of 4-5 people but ideally the more the better," says says Dive Team Lead, L&C Search and Rescue, Randy Laskowski.
 
"t's not an easy task, it takes a lot of people to put down a couple of divers," says Sheppard.

Bocks of thick ice were pulled out of the water and a circle of snow was shoveled off around the perimeter of the hole. After several hours of prepping and diving, the team is more than prepared to respond at a moment’s notice.
 
"We do a great job; we've got five really good divers right now. We've got a bunch of people that do ice rescue solely...We have a great team, it's a great unit, hopefully we don't have to use it!" says Sheppard.

For information on how to stay safe on the ice Click Here.
For information on joining the Lewis and Clark Search and Rescue Click Here.

Story by Ellen Bacca, Beartooth NBC.
Sponsored by Collision Pro of Helena.
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