WALKER-The Cass County Sheriff's Office Wednesday received three separate reports, in three separate locations, of vehicles partially through the ice on Leech Lake.
In all three incidents, vehicles had partially gone through poor ice conditions and no injuries were reported. Last week's extremely warm weather has continued to deteriorate ice conditions quickly on area lakes.
The sheriff's office urges the following safety tips be followed when travelling on the ice:
- No ice should ever be considered safe.
- Check existing ice conditions while traveling on the ice.
- Check with local bait shops, resorts, gas stations and other fisherman for conditions.
- Consider other means of transportation than a motor vehicle, such as an all-terrain vehicle, snowmobile or foot travel.
- Do not travel on the lake after dark.
- Always notify someone where people are traveling and expected return times.
- Carry a cellphone.
- Be familiar with the lake. Carry a map.
- If in need of emergency assistance, call 911.
- Consider a GPS unit to help on and off the lake.
- Avoid the use of alcohol.
- Pay attention to warning signs that are posted. Remember warning signs cannot be posted everywhere.
Cass County Sheriff Tom Burch advises people to use good common sense when thinking about or planning on traversing on the ice and to check conditions before going out to guarantee a safe and successful trip and return.
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office and Cass Lake Fire Department hosted the 16th Annual Multi-Agency Ice Rescue Exercise on Cass Lake on March 4, 2017. There were approximately 60 participants and over 15 agencies from across Minnesota represented.
23 participants took part in a class room training and practical exercise certifying them in Cold Water Rescue techniques and practices.
