Racine County lake ice rescue; deputy, man fall through

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Racine County lake ice rescue; deputy, man fall through

The Brief

A Racine County deputy fell through the on Wind Lake while trying to rescue a man on Saturday.

According to the sheriff, the deputy stayed in the water to make sure the man did not slip under.

The sheriff’s office said the ice was too thick for boats, but too thin to send a UTV.

WIND LAKE, Wis. – A Racine County sheriff’s deputy fell through the ice on Wind Lake while trying to rescue a man on Saturday afternoon, Dec. 14.

According to the Racine County Sheriff’s Office, a 36-year-old Franklin man was several hundred yards from shore when he fell through the ice around 12:30 p.m. He was able to hold onto the edge of the ice to keep his head above water.

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Norway police officers were the first to respond and tried to use a canoe to rescue the man. However, the sheriff’s office said the ice posed a challenge: It was too thick for boat access, but too thin to use a UTV.

The sheriff’s office said a responding deputy had advanced training as a member of the dive team. He traversed the thin ice and was able to reach the victim – but fell through the ice himself while trying to pull the man out.

After nearly an hour, deputies got the man into an inflatable boat that was then pulled to shore. He was then taken to a hospital. The condition of the deputy who fell in was not specified.

What They’re Saying

In a statement, Sheriff Christopher Schmaling said:

“The actions of the officers and other responding personnel were a testament to training, commitment, and bravery.  Specifically, the actions of Deputy Watson are commendable; he remained in the freezing water with the victim; ensured that the victim stayed alert and did not slip under the water; and Deputy Watson did not stop until the victim was safely on shore.  Deputy Watson, and the other responding heroes, selflessly saved a life today.  Job well done!”

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