Is a life lost worth a fish?, No ice is safe ice.

Thank you everyone for your comments. The OPP had a conversation with the fishermen. The dangers of their actions and on their safety, as well as the safety of the First Responders. We can all learn from this incident and the others in the news. Maybe stories like this will not be frequent in the years to come. Stay safe, don't guess making decisions on your safety.

The rescue team has an annual budget. Either way, the money gets spent—on rescues like this or on training. There’s nothing better for them than real-life scenarios like this. Hats off to them for a successful rescue. As a regular fisherman myself, knowing our rescue team is well trained and proven is also a good piece of mind.

I’ve stopped wasting my time thinking about what people think when they do stupid things or say odd stuff. After seeing that 80+% lined up to get vaccinated, how could anyone like me ever be surprised? (That statement probably won’t go over well with 81% of you! ?) Just a little truth and humor—don’t get too bent out of shape over it.

There are 8+ billion humans on Earth, all built with DNA that sometimes leads us to make bad decisions. I prefer to look at the positive things that came out of this situation. Great job by the rescue team. No one lost their life. Maybe because of this, someone this week or next will avoid a tragedy after hearing the news. Maybe one of those fishermen now has a new perspective on life and becomes a better person for his family. Things happen for a reason—you never know.

X2!

That's why some of us were meant to be people that rescue other people.. they don't ask questions, they don't point the finger they just do things selflessly to be helpful not to be rich.. they are born that way. They know they put their lives at risk more than any one of anybody on this forum.. their families understand what they do and why they do it.. I'm not saying I think it was the best idea for people to be out there but for sure I'm never going to throw stones especially at other ice fishermen, (people part of my community because I'm an ice fisherman)..... I've maybe not made the same mistake as them but I've made plenty in life and probably will make a few more before I go. I hope no one here or anywhere else points the finger at me when I'm down for the count

What part of the 81 percent said they felt like they had no choice? . Many only lines up to keep their jobs food on the table and security. Not from a virus but what happens if they can't find work ? . I know people who had 6 figure incomes and walked away. I also know some who spent most their years waiting for a nice retirement and career to only stand in line to keep it. After all they had Kidd's a family a home .many didn't think they had a choice or risk loosing everything. I'm one of the lucky ones where my work wasn't going to tell me to inject some experimental drugs to keep my job. Fake Numbers gives fake results results some look forward too because it creates opportunities lol. Even the deaths were manipulated to manipulate the public.

Anyways hope your season was good .

Still some last ice fishing do to next week tested 2 areas last night only 1 I could get on ice the other was melted away.

Gladd all 23 were safely brought back to shore.

You can't fix stupid but you should not promote it.

Here are some vids of and after the event.

https://youtu.be/e5W6HAPY214?si=C3lblssoHBeMu3yo

https://youtu.be/ltdSw3e2Ir8?si=vimdVlTTk4ABupxX

Most of the 23 never knew each other and came together there was also reports of another few dozen people fishing on the inside of the crack. . Theses are the only 2 I have watched so far.

They owe the entire hard water angling community a public apology.




Because of them many of us will now have to listen to our wives worry and nag us about safe ice for the rest of the season!

Now with cellphones, calling for a rescue is like ordering a pizza delivery. Shame on you for putting the first responders at risk. They have families as well.

Totally agree with the above. Can say the same things for car crashes when people are looking at their phones or other not paying attention, walking in front of a car when crossing a street, etc…. Could go on and on.

Everything has danger associated to it and people always like to critique the people it happens too. Guess what it, anything could happen to anyone.

And there is a reason we have emergency resources. They train for any of these situations and tax payer dollars pay for a lot of it. Awesome people and glad we have them.

Glad it was a happy ending too and no one should be blamed for it. ?

Being a First Responder, and working with other First Responders from 1993-1999. Some of my friends are still First Responders, and risking their lives every day to save people. There is a certain amount of an adrenaline rush on every scene/incident. The more intense the situation, the higher the exhilaration. I use the word exhilaration because it is an involuntary adrenaline rush that a First Reponder experiences in a life and death situation. First Responders are not risk takers or thrill seekers, by definition. First Responders are intense individuals that excel during intense situations. Perfect definition of a First Responder... A person that does not flinch, freeze, show emotion or panic during an emergency/crisis. Many people do choose this career because it is exciting and exhilarating. Every new day is different then the last. Every new day brings more challenges that make the First Responder better at their skills. Exhilaration does turn into exhaustion quickly, having to see people in crisis day after day. I only lasted 6 years, my friend has been a paramedic since college. Worked in Kitchener/Waterloo/Cambridge for years. Went to Afghanistan as a medic to save lives there. Came back and continued to save lives in Ontario. These are incredible people that practice and promote safety for everyone in their daily lives. Most people do not look forward to being put into a dangerous situation, caused by someone making a bad choice/decision/mistake. A First Responder is prepared and willing to put their life on the line to save the individual. Even when the individual made that poor decision, the First Responder will be there to save them. As said in my original post that I have zero empathy for the 32 fishermen that endangered their lives, as well as endangering the lives of the First Responders. That does not mean I would not crawl into a burning drunk driver car, or jump into the water to save a drunk boater or an innocent victim of said crime. You don't need to like the person you just saved, and you do try and educate after the fact. We all need to set a good example for our children, and everyone around us. Maybe someday they will need to make a choice on doing something unintelligent. Or making the intelligent decision by saying...What could possibly go wrong? Life is about choices, some good, some bad. If someone makes a conscience choice with no concern for their safety, they are probably not concerned about the safety of the First Reponders that will rescue them. Think about that.

Crappeeeman - you raise some very true points about 1st responders. Unfortunately, the nature of the business requires them to almost always see people at their worst. I know a number of 1st responders (and operators on the 911 switchboards), who end up needing time off for PTSD and stress related challenges. Kudos to you for your service in that field.

I can only imagine some of the stuff they have seen, and/or talked people through.

I'd like to think that no one goes out with the intention that no matter what happens, a First Responder has their back - I also like to think most people use common sense (although lot of times I could be proven wrong. LOL)

It's also easy for me to sit here in my chair and criticize those folks that ventured out on the Bay. I personally would not have gone (but it's easy for me to say that when I had no intentions of venturing that way in the first place).

Stay safe all - we're down to the crunch of the end of the season, and that "tween" time of no hard water and no soft water fishing.

It's ironic that the people that protect us and our children may very well be stricken with PTSD. First Responders, 911 Operarators, Military Personnel, Nurses, Doctors, Social Workers, even Teachers that are with our children every day. Many people complain about the taxes in Canada. Those taxes pay for the best people in careers that don't see a lot of thanks or respect, that is until they are needed. Respect was a big deal, the way my mother raised me. Even at the supermarket, I see people on their phones in the checkout line. Toss their groceries on the belt, tap their card and leave. No hello, no thank you, no have a nice day or goodbye. There are many people out there every day assisting us, that deserve a please and/or thank you but barely get acknowledged. When did life get too busy to enjoy a quick exchange, to compliment someones day. Even a Fishing Guide may get a bad review when the fish weren't hungry. Being polite, respectful and honest goes a long way in my book. Thanks again for all the comments there was quite a few.

saw this update today, looks like they are looking at sending bills to the 23 people that got the Heli rescue. I am torn on this myself, while i think it was irresponsible to fish that day in those conditions, i do think what Keven said about people not willing to call or delaying that call for help due to possible costs could lead to people waiting or taking additional risks and as you know seconds matter when life and death.


https://globalnews.ca/news/11745334/owen-so...y-rescue-costs/

Well maybe some of those that push their luck will think think twice about "poking the bear" and forego a questionable trip on the ice when conditions are bad.