The Maryland Park Service (MPS) announced this week that, starting this Saturday, Feb. 16, ice along the shoreline of the Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake State Park will be removed to open the waters for cold water rescue training. This area will remain unsafe for quite some time, an MPS spokesperson said, and will be marked with reflective buoys.
The water rescue training is for emergency services personnel of several Montgomery County fire and rescue companies and will include the operation of airboats during daylight hours.
“The boats are very loud, and residents and visitors should not be alarmed by the sound,” the spokesperson said.
Ice fisherman, hikers, snowmobilers, and others on or around the lake should stay alert and be aware of potential safety hazards, many of which go unseen, especially at night. Snowmobilers are reminded that surface conditions under bridges are often particularly hazardous from falling salt, and snowdrifts or pressure ridges can act as ramps, causing sleds and snowmobiles to become airborne. MPS urges visitors to the lake to wear, or have handy, a personal flotation device.
Deep Creek Lake is a part of the designated off-road vehicle trail system open to registered snowmobiles only, which may operate at night if equipped with working head- and taillights. Permits are available by mail, at Deep Creek Lake and New Germany state parks, and at Savage River State Forest during normal business hours.
Visitors can access the lake at Deep Creek Lake State Park or with permission from a private landowner with a permit site.
To report people, pets, or wildlife that have fallen through the ice, persons are asked to call either 911 or the Maryland Department of Natural Resources at 410-260-8888.
