SOLON — Following a recent drowning incident at Lake Macbride in early February, officials are urging the public to be aware of the dangers ice can pose in the winter. With an estimated 250 people dying from hypothermia after falling into frozen water each year in the United States, first responders emphasize the importance of ice safety.
Assistant Chief Scott Wolfe understands firsthand the risks of falling through ice. After serving 23 years with the Cedar Rapids Fire Department until his retirement in spring 2024, he continues to volunteer with the Solon Fire Department. While ice rescues are not everyday occurrences, Wolfe says the department conducts annual training exercises to review response protocols and rescue procedures. The next training session is scheduled for late February at a local pond. When asked about the department’s ice rescue procedures, Wolfe said, “At Solon, our general protocol is that we get a great rescue.”
He noted that response times vary based on several factors, including the call location, time of day, and weather conditions. However, the goal is always to arrive as quickly as possible. Wolfe estimates that the Solon Fire Department responded to the Lake Macbride incident within approximately ten minutes.
Wolfe says that firefighters begin preparing for rescues while en route to the scene. They arrange necessary equipment and begin suiting up, ensuring that at least the lower portion of their ice rescue suits are on before arrival. These Coast Guard-certified thermal wetsuits provide buoyancy and cold protection and are equipped with a harness for additional security, helping keep first responders safe during icy rescues.
A few days after the Saturday, Feb. 8, Lake Macbride incident that claimed the life of 85 year-old Cedar Rapids resident Jack Peacock, Johnson County Public Safety & Justice Public Information Officer Kristen Silver released a statement from Johnson County Sheriff Brad Kunkel. He encouraged individuals seeking detailed safety tips on ice fishing and frozen lakes to consult the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (www.iowadnr.gov).
“We’re fortunate that our local fire departments are trained and have the proper equipment to respond to ice and water emergencies,” Kunkel said. “Incidents like this can be dangerous for first responders, and Solon did a great job making this a successful recovery.”
The Solon Fire Department was assisted by the North Liberty Fire Department, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Johnson County Metro Dive Team, Johnson County Emergency Management, Johnson County Ambulance, University of Iowa Med-1 EMS Physicians, and the Johnson County Medical Examiner.
The Solon Fire Department is a 100% volunteer-based organization, making its work in the city of approximately 3,100 residents and the surrounding small towns especially vital. Wolfe explained the volunteer system, stating, “We all have our pagers on and respond to the ones we can.”
The department is always accepting new volunteers, with new members starting on Jan. 1 each year. Those interested in applying can find more information at https://solonfire.com/ request-to-join-the-solon-fire-department/.
One of the biggest winter concerns for the department is ice fishing, a popular cold weather activity in Iowa. Wolfe stressed that following proper safety protocols is crucial to preventing emergency situations. He recommends consulting an ice thickness chart (one example can be found at www.almanac. com/ice-thickness-safety-chart) before venturing onto the ice. For example, a person on foot requires at least three inches of ice to safely support their weight. However, he says he frequently sees people taking unnecessary risks.
“If you drive by the lake, sometimes you’ll see people ice fishing 100 feet from open water,” Wolfe said, emphasizing the danger. His most important piece of advice for ice safety is simple: “Tell someone where you are and what time you expect to be done.”