Windsor

Second ice water rescue training death has family calling for change

One family who lost a loved one during an ice water rescue training exercise in Point Edward, Ont. is calling for change after a young man died in a similar way last weekend.

One family who lost a loved one during an ice water rescue training exercise in Point Edward, Ont. is calling for change after a young man died in a similar way last weekend. 

In the latest incident firefighting student Adam Brunt died after being trapped under the ice in Hanover. 

On January 30, 2010, volunteer firefighter Gary Kendall was taking part in an ice rescue training course on the St. Clair River, when he became trapped under the ice for several minutes. He later died in hospital.

In both incidents the training course was being carried out by Herschel Rescue Training Systems. 

The Ministry of Labour investigated the Kendall incident, laid charges and fined the municipality. 

But the organizer, Herschel Rescue Training Systems, was acquitted.

'No one should die during training'

"I feel very angry...things could have been done differently so this didn't happen a second time," said Myrissa Kendall, Gary Kendall's daughter. 

Myrissa Kendall says her family was assured new safety measures would be put in place, but fire officials say training courses run by private companies are not regulated.

"I want strict protocol for firefighters especially with ice water rescue going into that water, where training is done, who's doing the training," said Kendall. 

According to the Ministry of Labour any changes would be handled by the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities.

CBC News has contacted their office, and are waiting for a response.