Wisconsin ice incidents; staying safe on icy lakes | FOX6 Milwaukee

Wisconsin ice incidents; staying safe on icy lakes

There were at least three ice-related incidents that first responders were called to over the weekend in southeast Wisconsin.

What we know:

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources said there have been at least five vehicles that have fallen through ice in Waukesha and Racine counties so far this year.

Pewaukee Lake

The backstory:

The Waukesha County Sheriff's Department said a 61-year-old man died after he fell through the ice on Pewaukee Lake on Saturday afternoon, Jan. 25.

Rescue effort on Pewaukee Lake

The victim was underwater for nearly 40 minutes before he was pulled out.

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The Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department is investigating Saturday's fatality.

Safety tips

What you can do:

Matthew Haerter is Lake Country Fire and Rescue’s assistant chief. Haerter said most of the people who they're called to help aren’t wearing an ice coat.

"If I have this on and if I have it zipped up and I jump in the water – I will not sink," he said. "You’re going to get very wet and there will be water underneath it but you won’t go below the surface of the water."

Haerter said it’s also important to know your exact location on the ice and share that with someone staying on the shore.

He also said you need at least seven inches of ice to safely drive a UTV and at least 13 inches for a truck.

Staying cautious

Local perspective:

Every step Todd McGilligan and his dog, Duke, have taken on Pewaukee Lake since Saturday has been with caution.

"We go out and walk out on the ice – he just likes to be out here," McGilligan said. "It’s a scary thought. You just absolutely do not know."

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Officials say lake conditions can change hourly.

The Source: The information in this post was produced by FOX6 News.

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