An RCMP officer plunges into -15°C water in Paint Lake, Manitoba during a cold water rescue exercise. (HANDOUT)
RCMP officers in northern Manitoba spent two days last week training for a cold water rescue scenario.
From March 5-6, officers trained in the icy waters of Paint Lake to practice a rescue in a life-threatening situation. Some Mounties wore everyday clothing to enter the water, while others donned a drysuit.
Each officer who participated in the exercise is now a certified ice rescue technician (IRT). There are approximately 35 IRTs in Manitoba through the RCMP “D” Division — the majority of which are stationed in northern Manitoba.
The training was a way for police to carry out a situation where a civilian or fellow officer may fall through the ice and require rescuing.
