As the record-breaking weather continues, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Water Patrol says they are preparing for more potential ice rescues as Minnesotans continue to risk going out on the ice.
After a few ice incidents on Lake Minnetonka, Lt. Rick Rehman with the Water Patrol Unit says it’s time to put an end to vehicles out on the ice.
“We do not recommend anyone going out there with any sort of vehicle at all,” he said. “The sun is definitely melting it from the top. This warm weather is bringing our spring sooner rather than later.”
Thin ice warnings continue across the state as temperatures continue to rise.
But even when it is cold, Rehman says ice is never 100% safe, but if you go out onto that frozen lake or pond, keep an eye on ice conditions throughout the day.
So far this season, Rehman says his department has carried out nine water rescues on Lake Minnetonka alone.
“We just trained six deputies on ice rescue… We’re always training for this, and we’re always prepared for it. Our goal is not to use it, [but] we are ready when it happens,” he said.