ESCANABA -- According to Delta County Sheriff Gary Ballweg, it costs around $10,000 to maintain the Delta County Search and Rescue team each year. The volunteer rescue group is funded by private donations and grants from individuals and companies. 

They were able to purchase new equipment thanks to a successful fundraiser last year. The new equipment cost a little over $5,000.

Their new ice rescue suits are designed for extreme cold weather rescues.

The Search and Rescue team responds to 12-15 ice rescues in a season. But they haven't had any rescues yet this year. If you plan on going out onto the ice, use common sense because ice conditions can change by the minute.

The team has been paged about half a dozen times so far this season for emergencies. The callers were able to get themselves out and didn’t need to be rescued.

Still, there are simple ways to stay safe and prepared.    

“Talk to other fishermen as they're coming off the ice and see where the problem areas might be,” said Sheriff Ballweg. “But take some rope with you and a cell phone and an ice spud to test the ice as you go along."

Even though it's been a slow winter season, the season isn't over yet.

“As soon as people start getting brave enough to go out onto the ice to do some fishing or snowmobiling or whatever is when our season typically starts to get busy," said Mike Sands, Director of the Delta County Search and Rescue Team.

When the snow melts and spring rolls around, the team will put more of their new equipment to the test. Their new high-angle ropes can also be used in swift water rescues.