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      Last week a group of us heard about some snowmobiles that were
rumored to have gone through the Ice near my home in Wisconsin.  Well
having done some ice diving and always looking for some way to use 
diving for a source of entertainment the three of us decided to go 
look for the snowmobiles.
      We geared up in our dry suits gather our lights and headed out
for a night ice dive in the lake.  The two divers I was with were 
decked out with AGA w/ comm.  I was left with a full face parkway 
mask, which was fine.  
      About 15 min into the dive I began to have a awful lot of water
in my mask.  I then deceided to press my Odin into my mouth so I
wouldn't take in anymore water.  This worked and them I purged the
remaining water out.  I thought my zip tie around my mouth piece
was not tight enough but it turned out that my hood was letting 
the water in.
      Well the real reason I am writing this litte note is to let
people know that the best way to handle a emergency is to rely on
your experience and training.  Most people preach but don't practice. 
Before going on your dives simulate emergencies in a pool or shallow
lake so you aren't doing it for the first time dealing with 300 
feet little or no feeling in your hands, feet and head.  Try flooding 
your mask, swim with one fin, swim without a mask, periodically 
shut your buddies air off to simulate out of air emergencies, see 
how your buddy reacts find out what works for you and what doesn't.  
When you get to your dive you will have tryed everything that might 
happen so you will be a pro by now.  Obviously you can't try 
everything but a least you know more than you did when you started.  
      These suggestions are for everyone and are ment to keep you
alert to what can happen.  I like to do them with our club in the pool
before we go on our first dive of the spring so everyone isn't so
rusty.

                       Brett (Practice makes Expert) Gugino
                       President U.W. Eau Claire Scuba Club

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