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Coast Guard Warns to Take Precautions on Unpredictable Ice

By KBJR News 1

Credit: Air Station Traverse City, Mich.

GREEN BAY, Wis. – Ice shanties belonging to seven people stranded on an ice floe are seen about 300 yards from Riley’s Bay in Green Bay, Feb. 26, 2012. All seven individuals were safely assisted off of the ice by local authorities. U.S. Coast Guard photo courtesy of Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City, Mich.

February 27, 2012 Updated Feb 27, 2012 at 2:26 PM CDT

Cleveland, Ohio (Northland's NewsCenter) --- After two ice incidents over the weekend, the U.S. Coast Guard is reminding people to take proper safety precautions when out on frozen lakes and rivers.

On Sunday, seven people were stranded in their ice shanties about 300 yards from Riley's Bay in Green Bay, WI on an ice floe.

A rescue boat crew and a rescue helicopter were able pull all seven people from the ice floe. No one was hurt.

Also on Sunday, it was reported that 36 cars fell through the ice on Lake Winnebago during a fishing tournament. No injuries were reported and no pollution was done to the lake. A tow truck was able to pull all of the cars out of the water.

According to Captain Steve Torpey, chief of response for the 9th Coast Guard District, ice conditions this year on the Great Lakes has been "remarkably unpredictable". He also says that our mild winter has created some "treacherous situations".

The Coast Guard is asking people to remember to check weather and ice conditions before going out onto frozen lakes and rivers. Also remember to dress warmly for the temperature of the lake, not the air temperature and always carry the proper equipment in case you do fall through the ice.

For more information on ice safety, contact the U.S. Coast Guard 9th District.

Posted to the web by Krista Burns

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