DANGER THIN ICE
This winter season’s mild temperatures have not been cold enough to support safe ice. For safe ice you need about four inches of ice. Wind, snow, sunlight, water depth, and underground springs all effect the strength of the ice. You need at lease six or more inches for snowmobiles or ATV’s.
Some Safety Tips
Always let someone know where you are skating and when you will be home.
Always dress for the occasion.
Remember if the ice does not look safe it probably is not.
What to do if a companion falls through the ice.
Don’t panic; stay calm and think out what you are going to do.
Don’t run up to where your friend fell in, you will only become a victim.
Use some item from shore to throw to you friend. A large branch works good, a rope, jumper cables, skis, even a spare tire will float, hockey sticks, almost anything that you can extend to the victim.
Remember this applies to animals that fall through the ice. DO NOT FOLLOW! Call 911 for Help!
Remember get medical attention. Body heat can be lost up to 25 times faster in cold water.
What to do if you fall in.
Try not to panic. Remain calm and turn towards the direction you came from. Place your hands and arms on the broken ice surface. Work forward by kicking your legs. If the ice breaks again try to get on some good ice. Once you are on solid ice don’t stand up; roll away from the thin ice. If you stand up you will most likely fall through the ice again.
Some ice tips to thin ice.
Stay away from ice that looks like it has air bubbles. Stay away from ice fishing holes, areas that have objects sticking up, ice that had formed over running water, salt water, and the harbor ice. Any area that has a tidal current!
Contributing
facts
Minnesota Department of natural resources
MSNBC
Lifesaving Resources