It's cold, daunting and physically tough.
But it's the kind of training that will help save lives.
It's called "ice rescue training" and every year as the waters start to freeze the South Hadley Fire Department suits up and plunges into icy waters for training.

Capt. Brian McClaflin said, "We cut some holes in the ice and guys were able to train to rescue themselves and rescue victims."

Learning how to use the rescue equipment is one of the most important parts of the training.
While the orange suits are cumbersome they are also buoyant and keep the rescuers afloat, just like the sled.

McClaflin said, "Using the sled is a cumbersome process and once you get in open water, it's nice on ice but once you get into open water with the floatation device, getting your balance and getting the victim onto the sled is a challenging thing."

The rescuers also have to learn how to save themselves.
For that they use a special tool which enables them to pull themselves up out of the water and onto the ice.

McClaflin said, "They have some small spikes on the end of those and it's actually a self evacuation force and they have little tongs in them so as we come out we're able to grab the ice."

All essential tools to make sure victims are rescued from the icy waters before it's too late.

McLaflin said, "If a victim falls in the water, depending on the conditions as to how long they might last may be a couple minutes that they will actually be able to keep going but as the hypothermia sets in their mental status will alter and they may not be able to keep saving themselves."

The Fire Department wants to remind folks that as of right now the ice is not thick enough for anyone to be out on.
They want everyone to keep off of the ice for at least few more weeks or until they advise otherwise.