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Wisconsin ice rescue: Family saves 2 men after UTV falls through ice on Christmas Day

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Published  December 26, 2024 12:03pm CST
Wisconsin
FOX 9

Firefighter recounts Wisconsin ice rescue

Two men were rescued on Christmas Day after their UTV broke through the ice on a lake in Barron County, Wisconsin.

The Brief

    • Two men on a UTV fell through the ice on Christmas Day and were rescued by a family who had been ice fishing nearby.
    • The Barron County Sheriff's Office said the driver was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries, while the passenger was treated and released at the scene.
    • Officials warn that with the upcoming warm temperatures to check the ice thickness prior to going out on the lake.

CHETEK, Wis. (FOX 9) - Two men were rescued on Christmas Day after their UTV broke through the ice on a lake in Barron County, Wisconsin.  

Wisconsin ice rescue

What we know: The Barron County Sheriff’s Office said the incident happened on Wednesday just before 7 p.m. near the Pokegama Boat Landing, east of Chetek. 

Two men were riding on a UTV when it fell through the ice. A family ice fishing nearby helped the men out of the water before law enforcement arrived. 

The sheriff’s office said the driver, a 53-year-old man, was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while the 25-year-old passenger was treated and released at the scene.

What they’re saying: "Special thanks to the family that assisted in rescuing these two people and all the responders who left their families on Christmas to help others, as they do each and every day of the year."

The Barron County Sheriff’s Office warns that with warmer temperatures expected this weekend, anyone planning to head onto the lake should check ice conditions beforehand.  

Ice safety

The big picture: There is no amount of ice that is considered 100% safe, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). And for those who choose to venture onto the ice, the DNR does not measure ice thickness, so you are responsible for your safety.

However, the DNR provides guidelines for minimum ice thickness on open bodies of water:

  • Under 4 inches, stay off the ice
  • Over 4 inches needed for ice fishing or other activities on foot
  • 5 to 7 inches needed for a snowmobile or small ATV
  • 7 to 8 inches needed for side-by-side ATV
  • 9 to 12 inches needed for a car
  • 13 to 17 inches needed for truck
  • 20 inches or more needed for heavy-duty trucks with wheelhouse shelter

The DNR also provides several safety tips for scenarios in which someone falls through the ice, which can be found here. First and foremost, don't panic, call 911 for help, and do not approach the edge of the hole where someone fell in, as more people could end up in the water.

Wisconsin