Many bodies of water are in transition as they fill during the winter months. As reservoirs fill, the ice lifts and pulls away from the shoreline, resulting in wet feet from the start. The following safety tips are provided to help make your winter excursion a happier one:
Thickness and strength of the ice should be carefully tested before going onto the ice, especially with a snowmobile. Many snowmobiles have been lost by those who didn't check. The Division of Wildlife Resources recommends the following rules to judge ice strength, based on new, clear ice (white, frosty ice is only half as strong): Two inches of ice will generally support one adult of average size and weight; three inches of ice will support a small group of people (providing they walk in a single file and remain well spaced); ice more than 12 inches thick will usually support the weight of a car. One way to test the ice is to throw a fairly large rock onto the ice. If the rock falls through, it is likely you will, too. Test thickness with several test holes as you proceed to deeper water, where ice generally is thinner.
Areas with moving water under the ice, such as rivers, channels or springs, are dangerous locations. The ice strength is generally much weaker.
When drilling or chopping holes in the ice, avoid holes larger than 6 inches in diameter to reduce the risk of someone falling in.
Be aware of possible hypothermia and exposure danger. Wear several layers of warm clothing (cotton is not recommended because of its water retention) with a wind/water-repellent outer layer. Several layers provide better insulation than a single heavy coat. Cover your head, wrists, back of neck and ankles. Frostbite can occur within seconds on a cold, windy day.
Your feet should be properly protected to stay dry and warm. Insulated, water-repellent boots should be used with two layers of medium-weight socks, designed to wick moisture away from the feet. A pair of neoprene waders provides a great outer shell layer and a little more protection from cold.
Smart anglers purchase or develop their own plastic or canvas windbreak screens to protect them from the bone-chilling winds. Some anglers even bring small fishing shacks onto the ice with propane heaters inside. Exercise caution to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Exercise extreme caution when handling an ice auger. These blades are extremely sharp and can easily remove a finger or toe. Always replace the guard when not in use.
Bring at least two forms of fire starters to warm yourself if weather becomes extremely cold, but never build a fire on the ice. Waterproof matches, candle stubs, rolled up sheets of newspaper soaked in paraffin, and small chunks of coal can all help transform wet wood into a roaring blaze.
If someone should fall through the ice, extend a pole, rope or article of clothing. Stay calm and keep your weight evenly distributed over the ice by spreading your arms and legs as you move toward the hole. Often the individual can pull him/herself out with a knife or a pair of spikes. Another effective method is to extend both arms along the ice surface and kick vigorously, pushing the body forward, flat onto the ice and rolling to safety.
The freezing water will quickly affect the victim's ability to get out of this dangerous situation. The best advice is to get out as calmly and quickly as possible. The victim should be provided warm, dry clothing as soon as possible with a warm drink to help restore normal body temperatures.