This is the moment a firefighting training exercise turns into a real-life rescue as Missouri firemen save two teens who had fallen through the ice on a frozen lake.

The rescue took place at Creve Coeur Lake in the suburb of Maryland Heights in the city of St. Louis in the US state of Missouri on Tuesday, 8th February.

Maryland Heights Fire Protection District shared the video on social networks on 8th February with the message: “What started out as a training exercise in Ice Rescue operations turned into a real life emergency for two teens.

“The Maryland Heights Fire Protection District took advantage of the weather and the ice conditions at Creve Coeur Lake today. Training was wrapping up when one of our chiefs spotted two people running across the lake.

“In less than 15 seconds of the teens being spotted running across, the ice broke and they were in the water. The crew that was still present went into response mode along with the two chiefs. A full response was requested.”

The fire brigade added: “The Maryland Heights Fire Protection District crew along with the Pattonville Fire Protection District assisted by Creve Coeur Fire Protection District responded. The initial crew were able to get four rescuers on the ice and remove the victims in a very timely fashion.

“Thank you to the Maryland Heights Police Department officers who assisted in the rescue.

“We ask one thing from everyone – stay off the ice! These two were lucky with their outcome because we had crews within seconds but not everyone is that lucky.”

The boys, aged 17 and 15, were taken to a nearby hospital for checks before being released.