Be Sure Ice on Lakes, Rivers and Streams is Safe for Sports and Play

Wisconsin is a great place when it comes to winter fun.  The state offers all kinds of activities on its frozen lakes and rivers:  ice skating, hockey, fishing, snowmobiling, and hiking – you name it. We’re all eager to get out and have fun.  But fun can turn to real danger if you take chances on water that is not frozen through.

When is ice safe?   There is no definite answer.  You cannot tell by looking at it.  Sadly, this season has already seen deaths related to the ice.  These tragedies include a father trying to rescue his daughter who was ice-skating.  Both perished under the ice.  On the same day, a young man also drowned when his snowmobile broke through ice.

Ice strength depends on many factors

The strength of ice depends upon the depth of the water, the size of the body of water, currents, distribution of weight, thickness, snow, and temperature. New ice is usually stronger than old ice.  Ice usually does not freeze evenly.  It might be one foot thick in one spot, and only an inch thick a few feet away.   Ice formed on flowing currents, like rivers and streams, is very dangerous.  

Snow can slow down freezing like a blanket or it can be heavy.  Ice near shore is weaker than ice that is farther out, according to the Minnesota DNR.

Don’t drive on ice.  If you must drive on it, keep seatbelts off and windows opened.  If it breaks through, the car will likely go under water within 45 seconds.  Get out before it starts to sink.

Here are some tips on how to survive falling through the ice when you are on foot (walking):

1.  Don’t remove winter clothing, it can insulate you. 

2.  Turn toward the direction you came, there lies the strongest ice.

3.  Place hands and arms on unbroken surface to pull up. 

4.  Kick your feet to work your way up on the ice. 

5.  Lie flat to spread the weight out. 

6.  Get to warmth immediately – call 911 or yell for help.  

What should you do when you witness an ice accident? 

Do not go to the edge of the ice, or you could fall through the ice too.  Remember this advice: “Preach, Reach, Throw, Row, Go.” 

Preach: Tell the victim that she will be fine.  

Reach:  Extend a rope, even a ladder from shore. 

Throw: Toss one end of a rope and tell the person tie themselves to it. 

Row: Put a rope on a light boat and push to the edge of the hole. Get in the boat and pull the victim in. 

Go: Call 911.

Talk to kids about ice danger.  For ice-skating on lakes and ponds, take along something that floats with a rope.  Use caution and respect the rules about ice.  Be a model of safety.  Your kids are watching.