NEW LONDON, NH — March 23rd — New London Fire Department held ice rescue drills at Elkins Beach. Wearing immersion suits and rotating through rescue scenarios involving personnel in open water, firefighters receive training in cold water operations. Crews performed victim evacuation and self-rescue procedures using ropes, throw bags, and rescue boards. In New Hampshire, where late winter weather can produce fragile ice on lakes and ponds, ice rescue training is still an essential component of operations.

Coordination, communication, and safe victim access are the main topics of drills. Frequent training promotes safe operations during cold weather situations and helps maintain preparedness for water-related catastrophes. To make sure workers are ready for ice and water rescues, the agency keeps up seasonal training.