Crews conduct 2 ice rescues on Big Muskego Lake within 13-hour span

MUSKEGO, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Muskego Police Department says there were two ice rescues on Big Muskego Lake. 

The first rescue took place on Saturday, Jan. 25 around 6:17 p.m. Police say a 6-wheeler UTV went through the ice and was rescued with the assistance of drone equipment. 

The second rescue took place on Sunday, Jan. 26. around 6:39 a.m. Police say three people went through the lake with a 4-wheeler. The three were able to get themselves out, but the wheeler still needs to be removed out of the water. 

One person died after falling through Pewaukee Lake on Saturday. 

Lazo Atlija, a captain with the Tess Corners Fire Rescue, said there are precautions people can take to make sure they are safe if they choose to go on the ice. He responded to the rescue on Saturday night.

“Obviously if you are going to be out on the ice, wear a flotation device,” Atlija said. “Measure the ice, make sure you at least got four inches for walking, five to seven inches for taking a UTV out on the ice. Also, never go out alone.”

The Muskego Police Department would also like to remind everyone to use extreme caution when navigating frozen waters, saying that there have been six instances of people falling through the ice in the area within the past two weeks.