ASHLAND - Not many people brave the frigid waters of Lake Superior this time of year.  But Ashland firefighters did just that Tuesday; it was all part of their ice rescue training.

Every year for nearly 20 years, Ashland firefighters jump into the 32 degree water of Chequamegon Bay for ice rescue training.  "Just to make sure they are up to date on their skills and make sure that everybody is ready to go if the event such as a rescue does occur," said Ashland Fire Lieutenant & Ice Rescue Instructor Dave Wegener.

The Ashland Fire Department averages 5 ice rescue calls a year on Chequamegon Bay so this training is critical.  "This bay is a large area and ice conditions are very variable so at a moments notice we can be called upon to go out and rescue somebody," said Ashland Firefighter/Paramedic Jon Paulson.  "You never know what you are going to have to do," said Ashland Firefighter/Paramedic Tim Ciembronowicz.

They practiced several rescue techniques Tuesday including the self–rescue.  "It’s a way for the rescuers to get themselves out of the ice in which case they use ice picks," said Lt. Wegener.  Lt. Wegener says the most important thing to have when you are on the ice is a pair of ice picks, you wear them around your neck and if you do fall in, they could save your life.  "Those self–rescuing ice picks are a godsend, it's as if you are fishing with a buddy, you have those picks with, you can get traction on the ice, you can pull yourself out and you can make it to shore rather than floating in the water, yelling and screaming, hoping somebody hears you," said Ciembronowicz.

Tuesday, firefighters also practiced a throw-rescue with a rope bag and a go-rescue.  "Our staff members as rescuers actually enter the water and they'll go in and retrieve the victim," said Lt. Wegener.  "With one of the largest freshwater bodies in the world, we tend to get cities of ice fishermen out and about on the bay," said Ciembronowicz.  "We’ve had people out on the ice for about the last 2 ½ to 3 weeks now," said Lt. Wegener.  But Lt. Wegener says ice conditions can vary and change in an instant.  "With the amount of people that use the bay for recreation purposes, it's important that our department is prepared and ready in the event that somebody does fall through the ice."

You can buy ice picks at your local bait shop or sporting goods store.  Lt. Wegener says you should also check ice conditions before venturing out onto the ice.