Mermaid,

I'm certainly not a rescue expert. I started this topic to get people thinking about all possible scenarios in advance.

Tying a rope to yourself to go in after someone, is certainly an option, if there are others to help on the ice. But it's definitely a drastic, highly risky thing.

With most people carrying cell phones, calling 911 should certainly be considered right away if someone is not coming up. But, fire & rescue authorities will probably arrive when it's too late.

As far as the survival suit, it's definitely a good safety measure. I never looked into them. Any idea how much they cost?