MOSES LAKE - Firefighters from Grant County Fire District 5 and Moses Lake Fire Department jumped into the freezing waters of Blue Heron Park and practiced ice-rescue techniques as part of their ice-rescue certification.

The certification process started with a full day of classroom instruction, followed by two days of mock ice-rescue training at the Moses Lake Sand Dunes spillways and Blue Heron Park in late January, according to Grant County Fire District 5 Battalion Chief Leonard Johnson.

"With the fluctuating temperatures in our community this time of year, ice on lakes and ponds rarely remains thick enough to walk on safely," stated Johnson.

"Never attempt to rescue an animal that has wandered onto the ice or who has fallen through ... One rescue can be difficult enough, but when multiple rescues must be performed, it can stretch emergency resources thin and puts more than just the animal at risk," he stated.

Firefighters are asking residents take several safety measures during the winter season.

• Always tell family and friends where you are going and when you are expected to be back.

• Use the buddy system; never go out onto the ice alone.

• Dress in bright colors. Try to wear a waterproof exposure suit and carry a personal flotation device.

• Carry a whistle or noise-making device to alert people when you are in distress.

• Carry two screwdrivers or a set of ice awls. People can use the items to pull themselves out of the ice should they fall in.

"The best safety measure is to stay off the ice at all times," stated Johnson.