CHAUTAUQUA — The Chautauqua Fire Department is praising a drill last weekend that helped in a water rescue Wednesday evening.

On a Facebook post, the department reported it was dispatched for a report of a person who swam through the water after a snowmobile fell through the ice. Despite the darkness and freezing conditions, the individual was able to stay above water and swim to shore, becoming stranded on a wooded peninsula. Their wet cell phone died shortly after placing the 911 call.

The rider later told responders they had become disoriented on the lake at night and headed toward what they thought was the right direction. A visible light at Snug Harbor Marina appeared to offer direction, but instead drew them toward an area of water flow where ice is often thinner and more dangerous. The snowmobile broke through and sank, forcing the operator into the frigid water.

“Thanks to comprehensive training, our crews confidently deployed the MARSARS ice rescue sled and rope system while operating in specially designed Mustang cold-water suits, allowing them to safely reach the stranded individual across the waterway,” the post noted.

“This successful rescue reflects the commitment our volunteers make to ongoing training throughout the winter season. That preparation is strengthened through Chautauqua County’s mutual aid system, where fire departments and the Office of Emergency Services work together to host joint trainings, including the annual Big Dip cold water rescue training at Long Point and state-run courses. We also appreciate the support of North Lake Fire Department at this incident.”