safe ice
loading...

Warm weather cold weather we have had it all so far this winter and the question arises - is the ice safe to venture out on? With this question in mind I scoured the internet for some answers and although we aren't Hoosiers I am thinking the ice rules are the same and I liked this video.

Also according to an article in the BDN on Jan 2nd:

“It really is the case there is no safe ice in Maine,” Doug Rafferty, spokesman with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, said Wednesday. “Quite a few lakes and rivers have open water [and] it is just not advisable to be out on it right now especially if you know the water is over your head.”

These are the ice safety tip from the Maine Warden Service webpage.

Ice Safety:

General Ice Thickness Guidelines - For New, Clear Ice Only:

2" or less - STAY OFF
4" May allow Ice fishing or other activities on foot
5" often allows for Snowmobile or ATV travel
8" - 12" of good ice with supports most Cars or small pickups
12" - 15" will likely hold a Medium sized truck.

Remember that these thicknesses are merely guidelines for new, clear, solid ice. Many factors other than thickness can cause ice to be unsafe.

What if someone else falls in?

If someone else falls through and you are the only one around to help? First, call 911 for help. There is a good chance someone near you may be carrying a cell phone.

  • Resist the urge to run up to the edge of the hole. This would most likely result in two victims in the water. Also, do not risk your life to attempt to save a pet or other animal.
  • Preach, Reach, Throw, Row, Go
  • PREACH - Shout to the victim to encourage them to fight to survive and reassure them that help is on the way.
  • REACH - If you can safely reach the victim from shore, extend an object such as a rope, ladder, or jumper cables to the victim. If the person starts to pull you in, release your grip on the object and start over.
  • THROW - Toss one end of a rope or something that will float to the victim. Have them tie the rope around themselves before they are too weakened by the cold to grasp it.
  • ROW - Find a light boat to push across the ice ahead of you. Push it to the edge of the hole, get into the boat and pull the victim in over the bow. It's not a bad idea to attach some rope to the boat, so others can help pull you and the victim to safety.
  • GO - A non-professional should not go out on the ice to perform a rescue unless all other basic rescue techniques have been ruled out.

 

More From WWMJ Ellsworth Maine