What type of gear is NOT recommended for ice water rescues?

In the context of ice water rescues, standard life jackets without insulation or thermal protection are not recommended because they do not provide adequate warmth and insulation in extremely cold water conditions. While these life jackets may offer buoyancy and help keep a person afloat, they fail to prevent hypothermia, which poses a serious risk in ice water scenarios.

In contrast, thermal wetsuits, dry suits, and cold-weather boots are specifically designed to provide thermal protection and insulation. Thermal wetsuits maintain body heat even when wet, dry suits create a barrier against water while keeping the wearer dry, and cold-weather boots offer essential warmth and traction on icy surfaces. Consequently, utilizing gear suited for such environments is critical to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the rescuer and the individual in distress.