Luckily, in this case, it's just a training exercise.
The U.S. Coast Guard and the Wilmette Fire Department are practicing on the icy waters at the Wilmette Harbor.
They're using a board, a sling and a rope to simulate an ice rescue.
In some cases, they use a giant yellow hook.
It serves as a warning to anyone thinking about venturing onto the ice. Even though we've had negative wind chills and subzero conditions in the last few days, experts say there's no way ever really to tell if the ice is safe and frozen solid.
Especially on unpredictable Lake Michigan.
The Wilmette Fire Chief says they haven't had any ice or water rescues yet this season.
Experts recommend that if you're ice fishing make sure you're bringing a cell phone.
Sometimes a big chunk of ice can actually float away without you knowing it
