FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, Dec. 13, 2004
CONTACT: Al Bahe, 773-4506

Ice, Is It Ever Safe?

PIERRE, S.D. – When is ice safe? Unless you’re at an indoor hockey/skating rink, there is no sure answer. Ice is tricky, and just because a lake or stream is frozen does not mean the ice is safe.

"A lake or stream appearing to be frozen can be very dangerous," said Game, Fish and Parks Safety Administrator Al Bahe. "Every year, people are injured or killed when they do not understand and respect it."

While the only absolute safety factor on ice is to stay off of it, doing so would prevent many of us from participating in some of our favorite winter activities–ice fishing, skating, snowmobiling, snow-shoeing or cross-country skiing, to name a few. So for those who choose to venture out on the ice, here are some tips to lessen your chances of a breakthrough:

• 2-inches of clear, solid ice is usually safe for one person walking.
• 4-inches of the same kind of ice is usually safe for ice fishing.
• 5-inches of the same kind of ice is usually safe for snowmobiling.
• 8-12 inches is usually safe for vehicles to be on ice, but driving should be avoided whenever possible. Traveling in a vehicle on ice, especially early or late in the season, is simply a matter of an accident waiting to happen.
• New ice is usually stronger than old ice. As ice ages, the bond between the crystals makes it more dangerous and weaker even if melting has not occurred.
• Wind speeds influence ice formation. Light winds speed up the formation. Strong winds force water from beneath the ice and can decay the edges of the ice.
• Snow can insulate ice and keep it strong. It can also insulate it to keep it from freezing. When ice is covered by snow, great precautions need to be taken to determine ice thickness before starting any activity. Snow can also hide cracked, weak and open water areas.
• Slush is a danger sign. Slush indicates that ice is no longer freezing from the bottom. Slush also indicates weak or deteriorated ice.
• Ice can change with the surrounding climate conditions. Temperature, precipitation, wind speed, ice age and water depth and water quality are all factors that affect ice strength and thickness.
• A person by themselves should never check ice or attempt to rescue an ice victim because they could go from rescuer to victim very quickly.
• Individuals should wear a flotation device and ice picks when on questionable ice. They should also carry ice picks whenever on ice, as they may never know when they may need them to pull themselves out. Everyone should have a set. Two short lengths of broom handle or dowel with sharpened nails in one end and joined with a piece of string can be easily carried in a pocket.
• Before you head onto ice, check with a local bait shop, resort owner or local angler for known areas of thin ice or open water.
• If you must drive a vehicle, be prepared to leave it in a hurry. Unbuckle your seat belt and have a simple plan of action in case your vehicle breaks through. Some safety experts recommend the doors be left ajar and windows down for ease of exit.

"Precautions need to be taken to assure ice is safe for your winter recreational activities," Bahe added. "Always check the ice before going out on it. Be aware that ice thickness and strength can vary from location to location. By following safety procedures, sportsmen and other recreational enthusiasts can safely enjoy any winter recreational activity."

A more comprehensive brochure, "CAUTION! WEAK ICE" is available from the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks. Contact your local GFP office to request your copy.

-30-