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MUNISING -- Every two to three years, Alger county emergency personnel has to respond to an ice rescue situation.

Although they haven't been forced to perform an ice rescue yet this year, Saturday they got some hands-on experience with some helpful safety equipment so they'll be ready if and when an emergency does occur.

For even seasoned ice rescue professionals, the current conditions of Lake Superior on Munising Bay are especially concerning.

"Unexpectedly, these are the worst ice conditions I've seen all year. Normally there's about two to three feet of ice on Lake Superior; now it's about one inch, it's even breaking off in slabs," says White Bear Ice Rescue Instructor Susan Atlas.

The late arrival of the winter season and the current warm temperatures are making the ice unpredictable; some areas that are typically safe have become dangerously thin.

White Bear Ice Rescue out of Pembine, Wisconsin held a safety course with every fire department in Alger County Saturday, so if disaster strikes, help will be close by. Distance does make a difference, especially on Lake Superior.

"Just getting out to a rescue on Lake Superior has its own logistic problems. We've responded to emergencies as far as a mile out from shore...it's problematic," says Alger County Sheriff Robert Hughes.

Emergency officials say the best protection is preparation on the part of the outdoor sportsman, and it's really quite simple. They recommend if you're going to be out on the ice, bring rope, ice picks, a personal floatation device and a even a buddy.

"If you are by yourself, chances are remote you'll be able to swim out alone," Atlas says.

Finally, pay attention and keep in mind the ice on your favorite tried-and-true fishing spot may be thinner than you think.