Ice on Ponds and Lakes Can Pose a Hazard

The only safe ice-is the ice you stay off!

But as well all know ice is attractive to kids, dogs, ice fisherman and skaters. With our cold weather across the nation this year, ice deaths and pond rescues are rising substantially. Just yesterday in the Chicago area an 11-year-old boy and his 1-year-old dog succumbed after falling through the ice in a neighborhood retention pond. In Cape Cod the owner of two dogs was rescued after she fell through the ice, trying to rescue her dogs, luckily there were two skaters nearby that saved all three. In Georgia today, two teens died after trying to cross a frozen pond. According the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Statistics “43 people have died in falls through the ice in Minnesota in the last 10 years. Some 29 percent of them were younger than nine years old”.

The statistics are grim, but there are things you can do to increase your safety before venturing out onto the ice.

First, ice is a complex structure that is impacted by age, temperature swings, wave action, wind, snow and natural springs among other things. Ice thickness and quality can vary considerably within a few feet. Ice fisherman are known to say, “Thick and blue, tried and true; thin and crispy, way too risky.”

So how do you know if ice is safe? The best approach is to augur or drill into the ice. This will let you see the thickness and quality of the ice. A minimum of 4” of thickness is required to support a human. You can also chip at the ice. If the ice chips off in chunks, this is an indicator of high density and a strong bond between the ice molecules. If the ice flakes or comes off in thin layers, this is an indicator of low density and a weak molecular bond.

Look for open water. If a pond aerator is present, do not go on the ice. If the pond or lake has a natural spring or a flow through weak ice is often a problem.

Look for posted “thin ice” signs, many well managed ponds and lakes warn visitors of the potential for thin ice conditions.

The bottom line is no ice is completely safe. Warn your children of the dangers of thin ice and to NEVER venture onto the ice without adult supervision and pre-testing of the ice. If you own a pond or waterfront property always have water rescue gear available. Water rescue throw bags, extended poles or traditional Life Rings are low cost effective options.

Ice fisherman, I know you folks are a little more adventurous, so make an ice claw, a homemade device that will help you crawl out of a fall-through and can save your life.