Ice Safety
SAFE ICE
- Follow the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Ice Safety guidelines.
- Strong ice is clear with a bluish tint.
- There should be a minimum of four inches of clear ice to support an average person's weight.
- Ice does not freeze uniformly. It may be a foot thick in one location and an inch or two only a few feet away. Always check conditions when you move on the ice.
UNSAFE ICE
- Weak ice appears milky and porous. DO NOT venture out on the ice.
- Ice covered by snow will likely be thinner and weaker. It acts like an insulating blanket and slows the freezing process. A recent snowfall also can warm and melt existing ice.
- Stay away from slushy ice, it is only half as strong as clear ice and indicates ice is no longer freezing from the bottom.
- Ice may thaw during the day due to warm temperatures and refreeze at night, resulting in weak, spongy, or honeycomb-like ice.
General Safety Around Ice
Ice can be tricky and is never 100% safe. Typically, ice does not usually freeze uniformly in one location, so it’s essential always to have a plan prepared before going on or around the ice.
- Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.
- Wear a life jacket and bright colored clothing.
- Take a cell phone for emergency use.
- Wear a whistle or pocket air horn around your neck in case there is no cell service. Those nearby are likely to hear your distress signal and it will help first responders determine your location.
- If walking with a group onto a frozen body of water, avoid single file – spread out.
- Avoid large cracks or depressions in the ice.
- Before going out on ice, check with a local source such as a bait shop or fishing guide that knows about current ice conditions.
- Test ice thickness with an ice spud or chisel before you settle on a spot.
- Keep pets on a leash. If your pet falls through the ice, call 9-1-1. DO NOT attempt a rescue and risk falling into the icy waters yourself.
Ice Safety Tools
Bring an ice safety kit that includes rope, ice picks, a whistle, a cell phone or VHF radio, spiked shoes, an emergency first aid kit, extra clothes, and blankets. You could also bring:
- Ice cleats or creepers attach to boots and consist of adjustable straps or rubber overshoes with metal teeth or spikes, which provide traction on ice and help prevent falls.
- An ice spud. A long-handled blade that comes to a point on one side. You can also use an ice chisel to punch a hole through the ice before you take a step to check the thickness.
- Always bring two ice safety picks and wear them around your neck so they are within reach. The picks can be stuck into the ice and then used to pull yourself back out if you fall through.
- Keep a floating rescue rope in an easily accessible location. If someone falls through, you may be able to assist by throwing the rope from a safe distance. If you should fall through, throw one end of the floating rope to a rescuer.
What To Do If You Fall Through Ice
- Try to remain calm.
- Don't remove winter clothing – heavy clothes, especially snowmobile suits, can trap air to provide warmth and flotation and should not drag you down.
- Turn back toward the direction you came from - that is probably the strongest ice.
- Dig the points of your ice picks into the ice or spread your arms wide, vigorously kicking your feet, and pull yourself onto the surface by sliding forward on the ice.
- DO NOT stand. Roll away from the area of weak ice to distribute your weight and avoid breaking through the ice again.
- Get to dry land and call 9-1-1. Seek medical attention if you feel disoriented, have uncontrollable shivering, or any other symptoms of hypothermia.
For more ice and cold water safety tips, visit the National Drowning Prevention Alliance.