State warns not to tread on thin ice

Iowa’s recent 50 and 60-degree weather has cut short many winter activities like ice-fishing and snowmobiling. Sonny Satre (SAT-tree) is recreational safety coordinator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Satre says outdoor enthusiasts have had few opportunities to get out and enjoy themselves.Satre says some lakes in northern Iowa may still be ice-covered, but he urges people to use extreme caution.He says the ice is thinner than usual for this time of year.Earlier this week, 74-year-old Robert Sumpter of Moulton fell through the ice while fishing at Lake Rathbun in Appanoose County & died of hypothermia.The Iowa City Fire Department has invested in some new safety gear that’ll help firefighters rescue people who’ve fallen through the ice. Many scuba divers use wet suits — these are called “dry suits.” Fireman Brian Rohr says the one-piece suits keep them dry so they can slide into the water & pull the victim to safety.Fireman Steve Dolan says the 400-dollar suits also act as a life jacket.The department will use the suits if it’s impossible to throw a rope or use a ladder to rescue someone who falls through the ice.