CHARLOTTE, VT — Five ice skaters were rescued from Lake Champlain on Tuesday after a large section of ice broke apart and left them stranded.
The incident was reported at about 11:45 a.m. Feb. 3, 2026.
Responders established an incident command post at the Charlotte Town Beach and launched a joint operation to rescue the skaters, who were approximately 675 yards off shore.
The rescue operation involved sending a crew in an inflatable boat across about 200 yards of open water to the skaters and returning them one by one to a section of ice that remained stable.
The skaters were then able to walk safely to shore.
The skaters were evaluated by EMS staff and reported no injuries or medical concerns.
Vermont State Police learned that three other skaters were able to reach safety on their own by heading west to the New York side of the lake.
The Vermont State Police was assisted on scene by Charlotte Fire and Rescue, Shelburne Fire and Rescue, Vergennes Fire and Rescue, the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the U.S. Coast Guard.
VSP reminds the public that ice on Vermont’s water bodies this time of year can be unstable and unsafe, especially newly formed ice on the Broad Lake section of Lake Champlain, which is not fully frozen over.
Anyone venturing onto the ice should take all precautions, including dressing appropriately, carrying tools to allow for self-rescuing in the event the ice gives way, and ensuring the ice is thick enough to support their weight.
