Safe ice? - DNR offers tips for ice travelers
So when is it safe, that layer of ice now just starting to thicken on local lakes?
“Knowing when ice is safe enough to venture out, how to travel on ice and what to do should the ice break is as important as the rudiment of fishing itself,” said Chris Wunrow, a law enforcement specialist with the Department of Natural Resources.
Although a lake or river is frozen, it doesn’t mean it can be safely traveled, said Wunrow.
“Most law enforcement personnel will tell you that because it can be tricky there is no such thing as safe ice,” Wunrow said.
The DNR offers the following tips for ice travelers:
• Clear, solid ice at least 2 inches thick is usually sufficient to hold a single person walking on foot. For safety’s sake, wait until the ice is at least 3 inches thick and go with a friend, but stay at least 50 feet apart. Ice fishing with several friends requires at least 4 inches of ice, and snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles need at least 5 inches.
• Ice will generally be thicker near shore and gets thinner as one ventures out. Check ice thickness with an ice spur or auger, starting from a few feet from shore and every 10 to 20 feet as one goes toward the middle of the waterway.
• Lake ice is generally stronger than river ice. Springs, lake inlets and outlets and channels can alter ice thickness.
• Before heading out onto early or newly formed ice, check with a local bait shop, resort owner or outdoors store regarding ice thickness or known thin spots.
• Whether alone or with a friend on early ice, always carry a couple of large sharpened nails and a length of rope in an easily accessible pocket. The nails or commercial ice grabbers can help a person pull themselves out of the water and on to more solid ice. The rope can be thrown to another person for rescue.
• Proper clothing can increase chances of survival should a person break through the ice. A snowmobile suit if it is zipped can trap air and slow the body’s heat loss. Once filled with water, however, insulated suits become very heavy and will hinder rescue. Newer model snowmobile suits have flotation material built in. Anyone walking or riding on ice should consider purchasing one of these suits. On early ice, it is advised to wear a personal flotation device.
• Refrain from driving on ice whenever possible. Traveling in a vehicle, especially on early or late ice, is an accident waiting to happen.
• When driving on ice be prepared to leave the vehicle in a hurry. Unbuckle the seat belt and have a simple plan of action in case of breaking through the ice. Leaving a window open can provide an easy exit.
• Ice roads from shore are often established to fishing hot spots, but repeated use of the roads may cause the ice to weaken. Ice roads may not always be the safest routes.
• When using a gas or liquid heater to warm an ice shack or tent, make sure it is properly ventilated with at least two openings, one at the top and one at the bottom of the structure. Any flame eats oxygen, so proper ventilation is required.
“Common sense is the greatest ally in preventing ice-related accidents,” said Wunrow. “Common sense includes checking ice conditions before venturing out. Five minutes of checking ice from shore, and systematic checks while going out can make the difference between an enjoyable experience and a tragedy.”
Article Reference: Rice Lake Online - 28 South Main
“Knowing when ice is safe enough to venture out, how to travel on ice and what to do should the ice break is as important as the rudiment of fishing itself,” said Chris Wunrow, a law enforcement specialist with the Department of Natural Resources.
Although a lake or river is frozen, it doesn’t mean it can be safely traveled, said Wunrow.
“Most law enforcement personnel will tell you that because it can be tricky there is no such thing as safe ice,” Wunrow said.
The DNR offers the following tips for ice travelers:
• Clear, solid ice at least 2 inches thick is usually sufficient to hold a single person walking on foot. For safety’s sake, wait until the ice is at least 3 inches thick and go with a friend, but stay at least 50 feet apart. Ice fishing with several friends requires at least 4 inches of ice, and snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles need at least 5 inches.
• Ice will generally be thicker near shore and gets thinner as one ventures out. Check ice thickness with an ice spur or auger, starting from a few feet from shore and every 10 to 20 feet as one goes toward the middle of the waterway.
• Lake ice is generally stronger than river ice. Springs, lake inlets and outlets and channels can alter ice thickness.
• Before heading out onto early or newly formed ice, check with a local bait shop, resort owner or outdoors store regarding ice thickness or known thin spots.
• Whether alone or with a friend on early ice, always carry a couple of large sharpened nails and a length of rope in an easily accessible pocket. The nails or commercial ice grabbers can help a person pull themselves out of the water and on to more solid ice. The rope can be thrown to another person for rescue.
• Proper clothing can increase chances of survival should a person break through the ice. A snowmobile suit if it is zipped can trap air and slow the body’s heat loss. Once filled with water, however, insulated suits become very heavy and will hinder rescue. Newer model snowmobile suits have flotation material built in. Anyone walking or riding on ice should consider purchasing one of these suits. On early ice, it is advised to wear a personal flotation device.
• Refrain from driving on ice whenever possible. Traveling in a vehicle, especially on early or late ice, is an accident waiting to happen.
• When driving on ice be prepared to leave the vehicle in a hurry. Unbuckle the seat belt and have a simple plan of action in case of breaking through the ice. Leaving a window open can provide an easy exit.
• Ice roads from shore are often established to fishing hot spots, but repeated use of the roads may cause the ice to weaken. Ice roads may not always be the safest routes.
• When using a gas or liquid heater to warm an ice shack or tent, make sure it is properly ventilated with at least two openings, one at the top and one at the bottom of the structure. Any flame eats oxygen, so proper ventilation is required.
“Common sense is the greatest ally in preventing ice-related accidents,” said Wunrow. “Common sense includes checking ice conditions before venturing out. Five minutes of checking ice from shore, and systematic checks while going out can make the difference between an enjoyable experience and a tragedy.”
Article Reference: Rice Lake Online - 28 South Main
