(Okoboji)-Arnolds Park Okoboji Fire and Rescue was dispatched to the area of Fort Dodge Point on West Okoboji Monday evening a just before 6 o’clock.
Chief Chris Yungbluth explains the situation.
“Arnolds Park/Okoboji got dispatched for Ice Rescue Response at Ft. Dodge Point last night. The report came in that there was a Ranger that had dropped down into the water, and that the people were staying with the ranger, they didn’t know the ice conditions around where they dropped in so they were nervous about getting out of the Ranger, anyway, which is understandable. It’s better to be safe than sorry as long as the vehicle they were in wasn’t going to sink into the water any further. The Department responded out with the air boat, just because we weren’t sure on ice conditions or just exactly the situation was and just to be safe and we got over to their side and assessed the ice conditions and where they were at and able to assist them to actually walk off the ice at that point. We found good enough conditions that we were able to get them to walk to shore to a Deputy’s vehicle and they were assisted by the Deputy off the ice from there.”
He notes that the individuals were not injured, however he says that with warmer weather on the way, ice conditions will be changing rapidly.
“They’re going to start changing here pretty rapidly, especially looking at the forecast with the nice warm temperatures, and now at night, in a little while here we’re not actually going to get below the freezing point so, ice conditions are going to start changing . You’ll need to definitely keep an eye out if you’re an outdoorsman that likes to go out ice fishing, just make sure that you’re checking ice conditions before you drive your vehicles out there, before you drive your ATVs out there, and then at some point, it’s not going to be safe to exit onto the ice. So, be real careful with that. Have things with you, for example, a rope bag or a rope, and make sure you have a buddy with you that can help you out if you do end up in trouble on the ice. We always recommend PFDs (Personal Floatation Device), they make some nice ones that actually double as a layer of warmth inside. There’s a PFD, or floatation device in there and just make sure that you are safe when you go out there and be smart when you’re going out there.”
AP/O Fire & Rescue was assisted by the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department.
