Neighbor with a paddleboard helps rescue man who fell in while ice fishing
By Gino Recchia
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TICHIGAN, Wisconsin (WISN) — A quiet Saturday morning on Tichigan Lake turned into a life-or-death situation after a man fell through the ice in Racine County.
The man’s calls for help were heard by nearby homeowner Michael Mossman, who has lived along Tichigan Lake for nearly two decades.
“I was in the house, and I thought I could hear somebody yelling for help. But you know I had the TV on. But anyways, I shut the TV off, listened, and I heard someone yelling for help. So I then came outside because I couldn’t see him,” Mossman said.
Mossman called 911 and grabbed a paddleboard before heading onto the ice to reach the man, who had fallen through while getting ready to fish. Neighbors recorded video showing Mossman and others using the paddleboard to help pull the man to safety.
“I proceeded out by him, and he was very coherent. And he says, I’ll be OK. I’ll be OK. And I just went out there towards him,” Mossman said.
Tichigan Fire Capt. Mike Borchardt said rescues like this highlight both the risks of winter activities and the importance of preparation.
“That’s one of the biggest things about Wisconsin and the people that live here, is that we are always willing to help other people,” Borchardt said.
Fire officials said ice conditions on Tichigan Lake can change quickly and may not always appear dangerous at first glance.
“The first and most important thing to keep in mind is that no ice is ever 100% safe. So, you always have to plan for the worst-case scenario if you’re going to go out on the ice,” Borchardt said.
In this case, the man who fell through the ice was wearing flotation gear, which helped keep his head above water until help arrived. Fire officials said simple steps like going out with someone else and carrying ice picks can help prevent a rescue from turning into a tragedy.
Mossman said this was not the first time he has helped rescue someone on the lake and wants others to take safety seriously, especially in areas known for thin ice.
“Stay off of this end, because it really changes by the day,” Mossman said.
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