Five ice skaters were rescued Tuesday morning after becoming stranded on Lake Champlain when a large section of ice broke away from the shoreline off Charlotte, according to Vermont State Police.

The incident was reported at about 11:45 a.m. Feb. 3, when skaters were found approximately 675 yards offshore near Charlotte Town Beach. Vermont State Police and multiple partner agencies established an incident command post at the beach and launched a coordinated ice rescue operation.

Rescuers used an inflatable boat to travel across roughly 200 yards of open water to reach the stranded skaters. Each person was transported one at a time back to a section of ice deemed stable, from which they were able to walk safely to shore.

Emergency medical services evaluated the five skaters at the scene. None reported injuries or medical concerns.

Police also learned that three additional skaters were able to reach safety on their own by traveling west toward the New York side of the lake.

Assisting agencies included 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.

Vermont State Police reminded the public that ice conditions can be highly unstable this time of year, particularly on the Broad Lake section of Lake Champlain, which is not fully frozen. Anyone considering venturing onto ice is urged to take precautions, including wearing appropriate clothing, carrying self-rescue tools, and ensuring the ice is thick enough to support their weight. Police emphasized that the only way to guarantee safety is to stay off the ice entirely.