ISP Offers Ice Safety Tips 01/06/10
ICE SAFETY
It is impossible to judge the strength of ice by its appearance, thickness, daily temperature, or snow cover alone. Ice strength is actually dependent on all four factors, including water depth under the ice, water area size, water chemistry, currents, and load distribution on the ice. The Indiana State Police would like to offer the following ice safety tips:
- Wait to walk out on the ice until there are at least 4 inches of clear, solid ice. Thinner ice will support one person, but since ice thickness can vary considerably, especially at the beginning and end of the season, 4 inches will provide a margin of safety.
- Go out with a buddy and keep a good distance apart as you walk out. If one goes in the other can call for help, the companion can also attempt a rescue if one of you are carrying rope or other survival gear.
- Snowmobiles and ATV’s need at least 5 inches, and cars and light trucks need at least 8-12 inches of good clear ice.
- Wear a life jacket. Life vests or float coats provide excellent flotation and protection from hypothermia (loss of body temperature).
- Carry a pair of homemade ice picks tied together with a few yards of strong cord that can be used to pull yourself up and onto the ice if you do fall in. Be sure they have wooden handles so if you drop them in they won’t go straight to the bottom!
- Avoid driving a vehicle on ice.
- Check the water access and if there are signs indicating an operating aeration system on the lake. Aerators keep areas of water open to provide oxygen for fish and the ice can be weakened many yards beyond where the ice is actually open.
- Walking out on the ice, you hear a crack and break through. Suddenly you find yourself immersed up to your neck in water so cold it takes your breath away. If you think that’s no big deal, try holding your hands in a bucket of ice water for more than a couple of minutes.
Try not to panic. If you decide on a plan before you actually fall in, survival chances are greater.
-30- EMERY
