Worker rescued after ice-clearing vehicle submerged in Midnapore Lake

A southeast Calgary lake is closed, pending an investigation, after a worker was rescued from a submerged ice-resurfacer Saturday morning.

The fire department said in a release that it received a 911 call at Midnapore Lake around 8:45 a.m.

A worker had been clearing the ice in the resurfacer when it broke through, submerging the vehicle and the worker in 10 metres of water. A nearby coworker was able to rescue them, and they were assessed by firefighters before being taken to hospital by EMS.

The lake, which offers skating and ice fishing, will remain closed pending the results of the investigation.

The fire department reminded Calgarians not to walk or skate on ice-covered bodies of water, unless it's a city or community rink.

If you do fall through the ice, you should: 

• Stay calm, try to keep your head out of the water, and control your breathing. 
• Call for help.
• Keep your hands on the ice shelf, and try to pull yourself up on to your stomach to roll toward shore. 
• If you can't get out of the water in less than 10 minutes, stop kicking, and anchor yourself to the ice shelf. Continue to call for help.

If you see someone fall into the water, stay back and call for help. If they do get out of the water onto ice or shore, reach or throw a rope or branch to help pull them to safety, the fire department suggested.