PEWAUKEE -- Pewaukee Firefighters are trained for all types of on-ice rescues, but today they're practicing with a new piece of life-saving equipment.
This new device is called the "rapid deployment craft" and with openings on both of its sides, the device allows rescuers to grab victims out of the water while staying in the boat.
Division Chief Andy Norris says the ice on the lake is anywhere from 3 to 8 inches thick right now, but there are still open water spots where you could fall in.
Norris says that people should wait before going out on the ice until the weather is consistently below freezing, so that it can thicken.
In addition, Norris says that for certain lakes like Pewaukee Lake, the spring-fed areas are going to have thinner ice the closer you get to them.
Pewaukee Fire Department hasn't done any rescues yet this year, but with all of their hands-on training and new "rapid deployment craft," they're ready for whatever happens.
