COLUMN: Ice safety reminder

   As those hardy souls who like to fish through the ice anxiously await the formation of ice on Iowa’s waters, I thought I would send out my annual ice safety reminder.

   Early ice can be a dangerous draw and extreme care should be taken when considering venturing out onto Iowa’s lakes, ponds, and rivers this holiday season.

   Never “assume” the ice is safe, even if you have been told by others.  Ice may vary greatly on any body of water even from one step to another, especially on rivers or ponds and lakes with aerators or springs. The best advice is to test the ice thickness and safety as you proceed onto the ice. The recommended thickness for a person walking, ice fishing, or skating on clear new ice is 4 inches minimum. Stay off any ice less than four inches thick. Six-plus inches is recommended for snowmobiles and ATV’s. If you must take a vehicle onto the ice, you will need a thickness of 12-16 inches of good ice at a minimum.

   Always remember that other factors affect ice safety including currents below the ice, constant freezing and thawing action, snowpack on top of the ice, objects near the surface, animals, such as geese, aerators, wind and wave action, and springs to name a few. It is advisable to avoid river ice altogether as it changes constantly due to underwater currents, submerged objects, and fluctuating water levels.

   There is a saying that there is no such thing as “100 percent safe ice.” Iowa winters can be unpredictable with temperatures fluctuating widely and ice conditions varying depending on the location and body of water. Stay away from discolored ice, open water areas, and bodies of water with current.

   If you enjoy ice activities, it is essential to have an escape plan and carry safety equipment. Don’t forget to tell someone where you will be going and when you plan on returning. Think about and mentally prepare for a worst-case scenario every time you step out onto the ice. Some items that you should know how to use and carry with you include ice picks, rope, personal flotation device (PFD), pocketknife, compass, whistle, fire starter, and a cell phone. There are many comfortable choices now for cold weather PFDs and flotation bibs and jackets.

   As with other recreational activities, alcohol consumption should be avoided. Alcohol impairs your judgment, slows your responses to situations, and speeds up the development of hypothermia. In some situations, it could mean the difference between life and death.

   Do you know what to do if you fall through the ice? It is very important not to panic. Try to keep your head above the water as the shock of the water’s temperature will cause you to inhale and exhale sharply for up to a minute or more.

   Turn back to the direction you came from. Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface of the ice.  If you have ice picks use them now.  Try to get your legs to the water’s surface behind you and kick while pulling yourself forward with your hands and ice picks.  Once you are out of the water roll away from the hole until you are onto solid ice.  If you cannot kick and pull yourself out, keep your arms and hands on the ice as your body will quickly lose the ability to function. People have been saved long after falling through the ice because their clothing or beards froze to the ice allowing rescuers time to get to them and get them out.

   If you come upon someone who has fallen through the ice call, or have someone else call, 911 immediately. Keep calm and give the victim clear directions. Find an item such as a ladder, rope, tree branch, jumper cables, etc. to throw or extend to the victim to help them get out of the water. Do not put yourself in a position where you will become a second victim. If you are using a rope tie a loop in the end you throw to the victim and have them put it over one arm and around their body so you can pull them to safety.  

   If you come upon an animal that has fallen through the ice do not go out onto the ice to save it – call for help instead. Many pet owners have died trying to rescue pets. Keep pets away from the ice. Farm ponds with aerators and rivers and streams with open water areas are particularly dangerous.

   Finally, educate children about ice safety. Icey ponds and rivers can seem like fun places to play but have hidden dangers. Children easily underestimate the dangers of ice and icy water.

   Ice activities can be fun and enjoyable when done with safety in mind. Don’t become a statistic by putting yourself or anyone else in danger by venturing onto unsafe ice. Stay safe and have fun on the ice this winter season! For weekly ice fishing and ice condition reports, visit https://www.iowadnr.gov/fishing/fishing-reports  for information on upcoming Jones County Conservation winter activities and events visit https://www.jonescountyiowa.gov/conservation/.