Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
For the last two years, four ice-diving students in Colorado awaited a chance to get ice-certified. Because of logistical delays in obtaining the necessary permits, weather uncertainty and a warmer Colorado winter, the group has been unsuccessful in the certification process — that is, until this particular Saturday morning in January.
Because of Colorado’s uncharacteristically warm winter, temperatures hadn’t dropped low enough to freeze the lakes, keeping the students from diving into open water.
With the weather finally working in their favor, the certification-hopefuls could make their first ice dives in an outdoor setting. The group included members from the Pueblo County Sheriff’s dive team who attended the certification.
While many people ice dive recreationally, the certification process is essential for scientific research and rescue workers.
Produced by Peter Vo
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For the last two years, four ice-diving students in Colorado awaited a chance to get ice-certified. Because of logistical delays in obtaining the necessary permits, weather uncertainty and a warmer Colorado winter, the group has been unsuccessful in the certification process — that is, until this particular Saturday morning in January.
Because of Colorado’s uncharacteristically warm winter, temperatures hadn’t dropped low enough to freeze the lakes, keeping the students from diving into open water.
With the weather finally working in their favor, the certification-hopefuls could make their first ice dives in an outdoor setting. The group included members from the Pueblo County Sheriff’s dive team who attended the certification.
While many people ice dive recreationally, the certification process is essential for scientific research and rescue workers.
Produced by Peter Vo
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: bit.ly/3zeF6Ch
------------------------------------------------------
Follow Rocky Mountain PBS on our other platforms, too.
• Newsletter: rmpbs.org/newsletters
• Facebook: facebook.com/rmpbs
• Instagram: instagram.com/rmpbs
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/rocky-mountain-pbs
