Essential Safety Tips For Winter Activities In Maine's Icy Waters

It's something you hope will never happen...but if it does, you definitely want to know how to get out of the situation safely, and alive!

Falling through the ice in Maine is a real risk for those who venture out onto it in the wintertime.

Maine filmmaker, YouTube personality, and Beast Games contestant player 991, Jeremy T. Grant, has spent many years outside exploring the wilderness of Maine.

You might remember him as the guy who ran the Millinocket Marathon with a chainsaw.

Before taking the plunge, Jeremy T. Grant, Timber Cross

A few years ago, Grant teamed up with the Camden Fire Department and took part in some cold water training. He filmed his experience so that others might learn what falling through the ice really does to a body.

The Rescue, Jeremy T. Grant, Timber Cross

As a filmmaker and Maine outdoorsman, Grant said it was an experience he had hoped to capture with a camera for years.

"I've had the idea for a few years. I love the outdoors, and I wanted to make something to help keep others safe out there this year with the wild ice conditions."

Bryan Sikora

"The weather in Maine is always changing, and it doesn't mean you can't enjoy the outdoors, just means you need to be prepared for it...And one of the first things to know before going on the ice is how you get out if you fall through."

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The conditions on the wintery day they all met up were freezing, with temperatures in the single digits, which felt even colder because of the wind.

The first thing the rescue crew encouraged Grant to do was to shut his mouth, literally.

"The main point they kept hammering home is to cover your mouth once you feel yourself going in. Don't suck in the water!!!"

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The second step is to ready your mind. Accept that you're going in, that it will be cold, and acknowledge that your body will react to the cold. That's normal. It means it's doing what it's supposed to.

"Then know you are going to go into shock, get yourself under control, and adjust to the cold before you attempt a self-rescue, that way you can make smart choices. Once you are in the water, the added weight of your clothes and the cold water are going to drain your strength quickly. So it is important to make smart choices."

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Grant says he was told you have about 30 minutes after you fall in, depending on the air temperature and wind, to attempt to get help and self-rescue, if need be. So you do not need to panic and possibly put yourself into more trouble. Strategize. Conserve energy. Make wise decisions.

After taking the plunge, Jeremy T. Grant, Timber Cross

"If you can't get out, get your arms up on the ice and wait for your sleeves to freeze that way if you pass out from the cold waiting for help, you will not drown and still have a chance for rescue."

Thanks for taking one for the team, Jeremy, so that we all might know a little more about how to help ourselves if we end up on this ice, or worse yet, in cold water, in the future.

Check out the entire video below. Good things to know, but let's hope we never need to put our knowledge to the test!

Absolute Top 10 Necessities To Survive A Maine Winter

As the tundra begins to freeze over and as Mainers begin their seasonal refuge to the bunker, there are a few necessities needed in order to successfully make it to the other side, where the palm trees reside.

So, take heed and pay attention to our advice, because these are the exact necessities that will ensure your survivability, mental good health, and that you’ll eventually see another summer season up to camp.

Gallery Credit: DJ Fred