Is it acceptable to slide a boat to an ice rescue victim?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only in calm water
• D. Only with a line attached

Answer: (A)

Sliding the rescue craft onto the ice to reach a victim is a valid approach when the ice is thick enough to support the craft and the crew, and when the approach can be kept slow and controlled. In this scenario the boat acts as a stable, floating platform that can close the distance quickly, giving the victim something solid to grab onto and a clearer path to transfer toward shore. This minimizes the time the rescuer and the victim spend in the frigid water and reduces exposure risk.

Key safety idea is to ensure the route remains stable: avoid cracks, keep the vessel aligned with the safest edge of the ice, and have the team prepared to halt or retreat if the ice shows signs of failure. A line or tether is often used as a safety measure to control drift and facilitate recovery, but the basic act of sliding the boat to the victim is permissible when conditions allow.