Over two days, March 5 and 6, 12 members of the Manitoba RCMP braved the icy waters of Paint Lake in -15°C to learn how to save others, and themselves, if the situation calls for it.
Manitoba RCMP officer braves icy waters during rescue training session.
As part of the training, police officers were instructed in both self-rescue, how to save yourself in the event you fall through the ice, and safely rescuing others. The officers were required to enter the cold water through a hole cut in the ice of Paint Lake to practice classroom techniques. Some of the officers, wearing everyday clothing, entered the water without a dry suit in order to gain the experience and understanding of what is required in order to protect those that we serve and ourselves.
Falling through the ice to the cold water below is truly a life-threatening situation. Through this intense training, the RCMP officers are now properly prepared to initiate rescue systems as it pertains to ice emergencies.
Each officer is now a certified Ice Rescue Technician (IRT). RCMP “D” Division has approximately 35 IRTs in the province, with the majority posted in Northern Manitoba.
This training is made possible through the continued support of Manitoba Hydro.
