New England News

Monday, December 29, 2008

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Ice Safety Tips

Before going onto a frozen lake, pond or river, it's important to take safety precautions to reduce the risk of falling through the ice.

Knowing how to judge ice conditions will also help you make more informed decisions while enjoying your outing. Look for clear blue ice. New ice is stronger than old ice. Remember you take a risk anytime you go onto the ice. Ice thickness is not consistent.

Beware of ice around partially submerged objects such as trees, brush, embankments or structures. Ice will not form as quickly where water is shallow or where objects may absorb sunlight.

When ice fishing, it is always a good idea to drill test holes or use an ice chisel as you venture onto a lake to help judge the thickness and character of the ice.

The general rules:

• 2 inches - STAY OFF
• 4 inches of good ice for a walking individual
• 6 inches of good ice for a snowmobile or ATV
• 8-12 inches of good ice for a car or small pickup
• 12-15 inches of good ice for a medium pickup truck.

What if I fall in?

• Try not to panic.
• Turn toward the direction you came.
• The safest place to pull yourself back up on the ice is the last place you stepped before you went through the ice.
• Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface of the ice.
• Work your way up by kicking your feet.
• Use your ice picks to assist in pulling yourself onto the ice.
• Once you are lying on the ice, roll away from the weak or broken ice, don't attempt to stand up.

What if my friend falls through thin ice?

• Keep calm, have a plan. Do not run out to assist the victim. You can go from rescuer to victim in a short second.
• Reach the victim with a long pole, board, rope, blanket or cables.
• Throw the victim a life jacket, empty water jug, or other buoyant object.
• Build a human chain in which rescuers lie on the ice with each person grasping the feet of the person in front.

(Copyright (c) 2008 Department of Game and Fish. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)