The bitter cold of recent days is causing ponds and lakes to freeze over. That means crews at Erie's U.S. Coast Guard station are stepping up their ice rescue training.
Despite a wind chill hovering around zero, crews were out today practicing their techniques on Presque Isle's Horseshoe Pond.
They know they have to be ready quickly, if someone falls through the ice. So training together with special equipment is the key.
Officer in Charge Stephen Pickard said, "Well it helps our crew be proficient and ready for anytime we get a call, in the middle of the night, weekends, during the week. So we train frequently during these conditions when we have them."
The crew members wear 3 layers of clothing, topped off by a waterproof dry suit with a life jacket.