On Feb. 7, 2026, members of the Leeds 1000 Islands Fire Services conducted ice water rescue training in waterways north of Gananoque, Ontario. The exercise was part of ongoing preparedness work to simulate cold-water emergencies and test winter-rescue techniques.
Firefighters practiced with specialized equipment — including cold-water immersion suits, rescue sleds and technical rope systems — and ran scenarios to reach and extract simulated victims from broken ice to improve response times and safety for real incidents.
The drills were held along the river near Turnaround Road (County Road 32) and the CN train overpass, where residents reported an increased presence of emergency vehicles. Fire officials told reporters the activity was a planned training exercise and members of the public were asked to observe from a safe distance.
Officials reminded residents that fluctuating winter temperatures can make ice conditions unpredictable and urged people to exercise caution on frozen waterways. The exercises are part of regular training to ensure crews remain ready to respond to ice-related emergencies.
