Five Ice Skaters Rescued from Drifting Ice Sheet on Lake Champlain
BURLINGTON, Vt. — A routine day of ice skating on Lake Champlain turned perilous on Tuesday when five skaters became stranded on a drifting ice sheet that separated from the shore. The incident prompted a coordinated rescue effort involving the Vermont State Police and the U.S. Coast Guard, who successfully brought the group back to safety without injury.
The group of ten skaters was enjoying the frozen expanse of the lake when the ice beneath half of them suddenly broke away, carrying them farther from shore. “We were a bit surprised; it happened so fast,” said Nick Vanderkloot, one of the stranded skaters, in an interview with WCAX-TV. Witnesses on the shore quickly realized the danger and called out to the skaters, asking if they needed assistance. Vanderkloot recalled, “He said, ‘Are you guys OK, and do you need to be rescued?’ And we said, ‘Yeah, it would be good if someone could send a boat.'”
Responding swiftly, crews from the Vermont State Police and the U.S. Coast Guard arrived on scene. Utilizing inflatable boats and kayaks, rescuers navigated the icy waters to ferry the stranded skaters back to safety. Vermont State Police Lt. Paul Ravelin described the operation as “a very laborsome type exercise,” but emphasized the importance of training and preparedness. “When they train for this and are prepared for this, we do have a great outcome where friends and family are joined back together and everyone’s safe,” he said.
No injuries were reported in the incident, but officials underscored the unpredictable nature of ice conditions on bodies of water like Lake Champlain. “They thought it was safe enough, and then conditions changed very quickly, and they became stranded,” Lt. Ravelin told WPTZ-TV. He cautioned the public that “no ice is safe ice,” urging anyone engaging in winter activities on frozen lakes or rivers to exercise extreme caution.
This rescue highlights the ongoing risks associated with winter recreation on natural ice, where fluctuating temperatures and currents can create hazardous conditions without warning. The National Weather Service advises the public to heed local ice thickness advisories and avoid venturing onto ice that has not been deemed safe by authorities.
The Vermont State Police and U.S. Coast Guard continue to monitor ice conditions and stand ready to respond to emergencies. Their swift action in this case ensured a safe outcome for the stranded skaters, reinforcing the critical role of trained rescue personnel in safeguarding outdoor enthusiasts during the winter months.
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