Working and playing near bodies of water can be especially hazardous during winter months. Drowning or hypothermia after falling through ice can pose a serious risk.
Basic Ice Safety Practices
- Never go out alone, and never attempt an ice rescue alone.
- Stay away from cracks, seams, pressure ridges, slushy areas and darker areas. This signifies thinner ice.
- Listen for loud cracks or booms coming from the ice.
- When snowmobiling, wear a life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) over your winter clothing.
- When in an enclosed vehicle, do not wear a life jacket when traveling across ice, as it can hamper escape.
