ICE & COLD WATER SAFETY Enjoying time on the ice in the winter is a great way to explore our area, but ice safety must be observed. Ice is never 100% safe, and cold water can kill. Remember: if you take unnecessary risks on the ice, you put first responders at risk too. Use common sense, know the ice thickness, carry the right gear, and know what to do if you fall through the ice.
ICE SAFETY GEAR
WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU FALL THROUGH THE ICE? Don’t remove your winter clothing. Heavy clothes won’t drag you down, but instead can trap air to provide warmth and flotation. Turn toward the direction you came. That’s probably the strongest ice. Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface. This is where a pair of ice picks come in handy. Kick your feet and dig in your ice picks to work your way back onto the solid ice. If your clothes have trapped a lot of water, you may have to lift yourself partially out of the water on your elbows to let the water drain before starting forward. Lie flat on the ice once you are out and roll away from the hole to keep your weight spread out. Get to a warm, dry, sheltered area and re-warm yourself immediately. In moderate to severe cases of cold water hypothermia, you must seek medical attention. Cold blood trapped in your extremities can come rushing back to your heart after you begin to re-warm. The shock of the chilled blood may cause serious health issues. For more cold water safety info, click here >
ICE THICKNESS GUIDELINES (FOR NEW, CLEAR ICE) →
WINTER GUIDE
Information provided by the MN DNR
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