Middle Pond, on Congamond Lake, is one area that has had large portions of open water this winter. (WNG File Photo)
SOUTHWICK – Despite the fact that Winter Storm Niko trudged its way through Western Massachusetts on Thursday morning, the area has still dealt with a somewhat mild winter thus far.
While the winter has brought in some periods of cold temperatures, there has also been inconsistency that has brought in warm temperatures.
This inconsistency has caused open water to appear throughout certain parts of Congamond Lake. Anyone who wishes to snowmobile, skate, or do any other activity on the body of water, is at their own risk as no town officials ever tell the community that the lake is ever safe.
In order to become more prepared for any situations that could occur on Congamond Lake, the Southwick Fire Department is doing a rescue on the lake this upcoming Monday evening.
According to Chief Russ Anderson, firefighters and EMT’s in his department will conduct ice rescues after sunset. They will be using a sled device as one tool and makeshift aids like ladders will also be used.
Anderson says that the rescue team will focus on the areas that have open water.
“We’ll practice in an area that gives us the best situation of open water,” said Anderson.
The firefighters and EMT’s will also review the medical side of cold water exposure and the situations involving near drowning that can occur.
“We go through all aspects from patient rescue to patient care,” said Anderson. “It’s just something that is important to us.”
The Southwick Fire Department conducts this rescue every year. The rescue will be moved to another day if any weather could possibly disrupt them.
