Designed for ...
Anyone who might encounter ice during their travels. No experience necessary.
Scheduling
I believe that training needs to be realistic or else we risk learning bad habits and/or becoming overly confident. I announce these courses on very short notice when I find the right conditions—thin and/or weak ice in a location that we can protect.
What to expect
Training exercises are based on NFPA Standards for Technical Ice Rescue and modified for application to small groups, limited equipment, and remote settings.
We will spend two hours cycling through a progression of self- and partner-rescue exercises. You will need to wear a drysuit (or equivalent) during these exercises.
At the end of the core exercises, you are encouraged to go into the water in the clothing and equipment you would wear in a real incident. This is your best opportunity to train for the real thing.
Bring a set of dry clothing and a warm sugary drink to help restore your body temperature!
Agenda:
- Determining ice strength and thickness
- Rescue priorities
- Self-rescue with and without ice picks
- Partner rescue with throw ropes
- Optional 'real' immersion
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
Drysuit or equivalent, including protective padding: Ice can cut drysuit fabric. I recommend wearing shin, knee, and elbow pads to protect your suit. Hockey or rollerblade pads work well, but feel free to get creative.
If you don't have a suit, you can observe the core exercises and participate in the final 'real' immersion.
I am not responsible for damage to your equipment and I don't have drysuits to rent or loan.
Appropriate insulating clothing: Err on the side of too much layering under your drysuit.
Life vest (PFD): You are also welcome to experiment with a backpack with added flotation (e.g., empty water bottles) and a between-the-legs harness strap.
Helmet: Bike, ski, water, or climbing helmets are acceptable.
Whistle: Rescue whistles will be available on-site for $5. Tether your whistle to your PFD or helmet for easy access.
Footwear: This is a tricky one. Bunny boats and ski boots have worked for former participants. Bring ice grippers too
At the end of our session: Dry clothing to change into and a hot and sugary drink to kickstart your internal engine.
If you have ice picks, ice probe, and/or throw rope, please bring them as well. I have several to lend out.
Safety first
Working on ice has inherent hazards and I can not guarantee a safe learning environment. We will discuss the safety plan, what can go wrong, and what we will do about it. I am a certified Ice Rescue Instructor and will be equipped to help anyone who needs assistance.
- Everyone in the water will be secured to a safety line.
- No more than a 12:1 instructor ratio for a fixed course site and flat water setting.
- Led by Luc Mehl: Certified Ice Rescue Instructor (Lifesaving Resources), WFR certified (WMA).
What's not covered
- Team rescue
- Rescues involving specialty equipment
- A detailed discussion of ice formation, strength, and travel strategies. That's what the Wild Ice! online course is for.
