Ice Fisherman Pulled From Water After Falling Through Ice

The City of Madison Fire Department's lake rescue team was called to South Brittingham Place this morning after a 63-year-old Sun Prairie man fell through the ice on Monona Bay. The man was ice fishing when he broke through and was unable to pull himself out because the thin ice kept breaking. Two nearby fishermen were able to pull him to safety as firefighters and paramedics arrived. The man was treated at the scene and transported to St. Mary's Hospital by Medic 1. The City of Madison Fire Department reminds residents that ice should be at least 4 to 6 inches thick before someone can walk on it. Even if the weather has been below freezing for several days, don't guess about ice thickness. • Check the ice in several places, beginning at shore and continuing as you go out. • If ice at the shoreline is cracked or squishy, stay off. Don't go on the ice during thaws. • Watch out for thin, clear, or honeycomb shaped ice. • Dark snow and dark ice are other signs of weak spots. • Choose small bodies of water. Rivers and lakes are prone to wind and wave action, which can break ice up quickly. • Avoid areas with currents and around bridges and pressure ridges. • Use the buddy system - don't go out on the ice alone.