FORT ATKINSON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Fort Atkinson Fire Department says a snowmobiler is safe after they had to rescue him on Lake Koshkonong on Sat. Feb. 15.

Crews responded to the lake at around 11:32 am, after the man's snowmobile had broken through the ice and plunged into the water. 

Officials say the man had been riding with a friend who was able to reach shore and call first responders for help.

The first fire dept. crew reached the struggling snowmobiler at around 12:08 p.m., about one mile from shore. 

Upon arrival, officials say the victim only had his head above water as he clung to a fragile ice shelf. 

The fire dept. says he was provided a flotation device, but the weak ice made the rescue efforts difficult.

That is when a second crew was able to crawl out to assist and lift the patient onto an ice shelf. 

As a Rock County Sheriff's boat arrived, rescuers were able to move the patient into the boat and transport him to shore, where personnel took him to a hospital for treatment of hypothermia.

"This is an example of rescue personnel putting their training into action," said Chief Bruce Peterson. "At this time of year, we place extra focus on ice rescue training, having completed a class just the week before". 

Viewers shared these photos with CBS 58 as the scene was unfolding: 

Furley Outdoors

Furley Outdoors

"I am extremely proud of the Fort Atkinson firefighters who risked themselves to aid this individual," Chief Peterson added. "Everything came together as it should, with dispatchers, fire, EMS, and sheriff's deputies working seamlessly for a great outcome". 

The Fort Atkinson Fire Department says they responded with multiple units, including an ambulance, a heavy rescue squad, and a light rescue squad with a UTV.

Additional assistance was provided by the Lakeside Fire Department.