Ice Safety: what to do if you go through

Minneapolis Fire Department firefighters present an ice safety demonstration to a group of parents and children at the Lyndale Farmstead Park ice rink. Pictured from left to right are FMO Dean Anderson (kneeling), Capt. Dennis Scott, and Firefighters Pete Hallstrom and Shane Thorn. 

In early February, Minneapolis Fire Department firefighters demonstrated ice safety to a group of parents and children at the Lyndale Farmstead Park ice rink.  In near zero temperatures the firefighters showed what to do if someone falls through the ice. Their message: Ice Is Never Safe.

But now that spring is here and temperatures are warmer ice safety is even more important.  If you chose to venture out on to ice here are steps to protect yourself.

Ice Awareness

Be aware of ice conditions and where thin ice might occur. The strength of ice cannot be judged by looking at it. Ice strength and thickness are determined by a number of factors.

The depth and the size of a body of water affect the temperature of the water and ice stability. Deep water remains colder longer and preserves the ice while water in shallower areas warms up faster, weakening and melting the ice.

Water currents also weaken ice. Moving water slows ice formation in the winter and speeds thawing in the spring. Places to avoid are streams or drainage outlets that enter into or out of the lake or pond. Other areas to avoid include channels between lakes and beneath bridges. In addition, some lakes are fed by underwater springs. These springs, which can occur away from the shore, feed warmer water into the lake. This water rises and weakens the ice from below.

Be Prepared

There are four things that you can do to be prepared before going out on the ice.

Clothing and non-slip boots are important. Dress in three layers for warmth. If you do go into the water these layers will hold water close to your body where it is warmed. This warmer layer of water temporarily protects you from hypothermia by slowing the cooling of your body.

Hypothermia occurs when your body cools down to the point that bodily functions slow and stop. This results in physical weakness, muscles cramping, extreme fatigue and eventual unconsciousness which can lead to death either from hypothermia or drowning.

A personal floatation device is a good idea. Whether in a boat or walking on the ice, it is the same body of water with a threat of drowning.

Weather and ice awareness is a must. The upper Midwest is notorious for rapidly changing weather which means changing ice conditions.  Local television stations as well as online sites, such as ones for fishermen, can provide some information about weather and ice. Other sources for information are local resort or bait shop operators. They know the areas that are traditionally dangerous as well as the most recent experiences on the ice. Lastly, check to see if there are any warning signs or notices before you venture out.

Have an emergency plan. Having a plan prepares you for action. Begin by telling someone that you are going out on the ice and your anticipated return. If with friends, discuss the plan and be certain that you are all familiar with ice safety procedures. Carrying a rope, ice picks and a floatation device is a good idea.

MFD Firefighter, Pete Hallstrom shows skaters how to crawl out of a hole in the ice.

What To Do If You Go Through

You hear the ice crack and instantly you are in frigid water.

• Stay calm and remember your plan. You do have a little time to act.
  Your body cools quickly because water carries heat away 25 times faster than air. As you chill your thinking and response times slow. In 32° F water an unprotected person begins to feel stiff and clumsy within two minutes. Next comes the feeling of exhaustion and within 15 minutes unconsciousness. After that, you have approximately 15 to 45 minutes before death. [i]
• Try to catch yourself by extending your arms.
  Your outstretched arms will also slow your sinking.
• Kick your feet to stay afloat.
• Turn towards the direction that you came from.
• Spread your arms out in front of you on the solid ice.
  This spreads your weight out over the ice.
• Attempt to get out of the water.
  If you carry ice picks use them to pull yourself out of the water and onto the ice. Steadily kick your feet while getting out. If you can’t get out, place your outstretched arms on the ice and stop struggling. Your arms on the ice will help you stay afloat while minimizing movement conserves body heat.
• Once on the ice, do not stand up but roll away from the hole.
  Lie flat and spread out your weight. The ice around the hole may not be strong enough to hold you standing.
• Get off the ice as safely as you can.
• Warm yourself immediately.
  Keep wearing your wet clothes until you have dry clothes and a warm shelter.
• Seek medical attention.
  Falling into icy water can cause shock and other serious conditions.