Scituate firefighters practiced ice rescue operations on Monday, diving into freezing waters to train for seasonal emergencies in the area.

“Every year, just about the beginning of winter, we try to get every single one of our firefighters out on the ice,” said Scituate Fire Lieutenant Eric Norlin. … “Rescuing a would-be victim out out in the ice.”

The department typically experiences ice rescue incidents every winter, with usually two or three dog rescues, Norlin said. The local firefighters practice once a year to stay ready.

The training starts with a would-be victim in the water, Norlin said.

“The victim would be in the ice,” said Norlin. “The fire department would show up and put on our yellow ice rescue suits and go out on a tether and secure the victim into a rescue noodle or a harness. And then basically hop in the hole in back of them and lift them out of the hole, out of the ice, and then pull them to shore.”

This year’s training went “flawlessly,” Norlin said, noting the department got 50 firefighters through training.

Many ice incidents start with dogs or other pets falling through, Norlin said, and sometimes pet owners will try to rescue the animals and fall in themselves.

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The firefighter warned residents to take safety precautions through the winter season, reminding people “the only safe ice is in a hockey rink.” So one should assume ice is safe, he added.

“If you are going to go on the ice or near water’s edge, make sure you always have somebody else with you with a cell phone to call 911, if they need to,” Norlin said. “And for all the pet owners, remember to keep your pets leashed near the water or near the ice. And if they do go in, please do not attempt to rescue. Dial 911. Pet owners easily become victims themselves.”

Scituate recruit firefighters Benjamin Gula and Jack Harper haul in firefighters Dave O’Brien and Aedan Roake during ice rescue training. (Photo By Matt Stone/Boston Herald).