Charlotte, VT – Five ice skaters were rescued late Tuesday morning after a large section of ice broke off Lake Champlain near Charlotte, according to Vermont State Police.
The incident happened around 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, at Charlotte Town Beach. Responders quickly launched a joint operation involving several local and state agencies. Police said the skaters were about 675 yards from shore when the ice beneath them separated from the main sheet.
Rescue crews used an inflatable boat to cross roughly 200 yards of open water, bringing the skaters to stable ice before helping them return safely to shore. The skaters were evaluated by EMS and had no reported injuries. Three other skaters managed to reach the New York side of the lake on their own.
Assisting in the response were 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.
Authorities remind the public that ice on Vermont waterways can be unpredictable, especially on Lake Champlain’s Broad Lake, which is not fully frozen. Officials urge anyone venturing near ice to take all precautions—or better yet, to stay off it entirely.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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