Northern Lakes Region Bureau

MEREDITH -- A local man whose snowmobile broke through the ice early Friday morning was rescued by local firefighters but refused to be taken to the hospital for treatment.

Troy Holmes, 32, of Livingston Road, Meredith, was riding a 2004 Ski-Doo snowmobile on Lake Waukewan when his machine fell through the ice off Winona Shores shortly before 8 a.m.

Meredith Fire Chief Chuck Palm said Holmes was able to pull himself onto the ice, but he was still dressed in a sodden snowmobile suit, boots and helmet.

Volunteer firefighters used the "Rescue Alive" ice rescue sled to reach Holmes. The Meredith Rotary Club donated the money for the sled’s purchase to the local department about five years ago. Palm explained that the lightweight sled can be pushed across the ice surface, but offers buoyancy like a boat if it breaks through.

Wearing a waterproof ice rescue suit, the firefighter who mans the sled is tied to it. The sled is then tethered to a group of men onshore. Using lightweight rope, the sled can reach about areas within about 900 feet from shore. Once a victim is hauled onto the sled, firefighters on land can pull it back to shore.

The medical staff of Stewart’s Ambulance checked Holmes but he declined to be taken to the hospital for treatment. Police later gave him a ride home.

A salvage crew was still working with Holmes on Monday to locate the sled with an underwater camera and then pull it to the surface.

Palm said area ice conditions continue to remain poor and cautioned against anyone venturing on to any water body. High winds, fluctuating temperatures, and snow have teamed up to create treacherous conditions, he said, noting firefighters broke through several times as they worked to rescue Holmes.