Tips to save yourself if the ice breaks

It's good to have company when ice fishing in the event your fall through the ice. If alone, remember the enclosed tips. Photo by Nick Hromiak

Since we’re in the ice fishing season, up and down air temperatures we often experience could play havoc with ice conditions. As such, it’s never a good idea to walk onto a frozen lake or pond without following proper protocols and knowing how long it takes and what temperature must be hit, for that body of water to freeze, says the folks at US Swim School Association (USSSA). And not everyone has a friend nearby or carries an item such as an ice pick to help them out of the water. 

Just recently a TV news segment showed game officials and volunteers freeing a moose that went on thin ice, fell in and couldn’t get out. Another showed a horse in the Philadelphia area experiencing the same fate. 

With this in mind, USSSA created a list of what to do if you fall through the ice. They are as follows: 

* Brace Yourself: This may be difficult to do at first but due to the immediate change on body temperature and shock from the cold water, the body’s immediate reaction is going to be to gasp for air and hyperventilate. Breathing or inhaling freezing water increases the chances of drowning. 

* Keep Calm: Do not flail your arms; this will release more body heat. The body loses 32 times more heat in cold water than in cold air. Panicking will do nothing. Instead, keep your head above water and grab onto the ice in the direction you came from. This ice should be strong enough to help you out of the water. 

* Do Not Undress Winter Clothes: Keep winter clothing on  while in the water, it will not drag you down. It will help keep in body heat and any air inside the clothing will help you float. 

* Get Horizontal: Once you’ve gotten most of your upper body out of the water, kick you legs as strongly as possible in hopes of getting yourself out of the water and onto the ice.  

* Roll Onto The Ice: Do not stand up. Roll over the ice once you’re out to help prevent more cracks in the ice and from falling in again. Always stay off ice that’s only 3 inches thick or less. 

* Retrace Your Steps: Once out and far enough away from the hole you made, trace your footsteps back to safety. Take is slow because your body is still dealing with the affects of the freezing water. 

* Throw, Don’t Go: Never enter the water to rescue someone. If someone is there to help you it’s safer for that person to throw a lifesaving device like a branch, coat or rope into the water. Wait until you grab hold and then tow you to safety. Otherwise you could both end up in the water. 

* Get Warm: Once out of the water, seek medical attention to bring body temperature back to normal. 

These smart tips could save you life, especially if caught alone with no help in sight.  
​

---