Walkin’ on Thin Ice
Story and photo by Kelly Ulrick, Saylorville Lake
It happens every winter … a group of kids stand
at the edge of a small pond seemingly frozen over from days of cold weather.
After smashing an aluminum bat into the thick layer of stiff water, the
bravest soul decides to apprehensively walk onto the ice, holding his breath
and carefully listening to the sound of his feet crunching over the fresh
dusting of snow covering the icy pond.
Unlike the sound of impending danger belted out at baseball games, no one
yells, "heads up," to warn a person that they're about to break through
the only thing separating them from life, and almost certain death ...
a thin layer of icy crust.
Do you know what safe ice looks like?
Do you know how to get out of the water if you fell through?
Extended-cold weather has caused the development
of ice early this year, but that doesn't mean the ice is safe. There
should be at least two inches of clear-blue ice before you step on any
frozen water and much more if there will be several people on the ice.
If the ice starts to crack, stop, drop
and roll until you're on thicker ice. If you see a friend go through
the ice, don't try and be a hero, get help!
For steady footing, a pair of ice cleats on
your boots work great. Ice awls also come in handy if you know how
to use them. For instance, if you fall through the ice, you could
use the picks to grab the ice as you kick under water and pull yourself
out, but don't stand up until you're sure the ice is firm enough.
Ice cleats and ice awls can usually be found at your nearest bait shop
or sporting goods store.
Stay away from areas where there's a current
or water level change such as rivers, streams and reservoirs. Watch
for the dark areas that reveal places where the ice is thin. It's
also a good idea to avoid areas with logs, brush or docks sticking out
from the ice. These areas absorb the warmth from the sun and weaken
the ice around them.
It may seem silly to wear a lifejacket over
your coat, but it could save your life. The jacket not only keeps
you afloat if you fall through the ice, but it will also keep you warm.
Keep in mind that when a person does get out of the water, the cold can
still be deadly and cause hypothermia.
The icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean claimed
the lives of 1,522 passengers from the RMS Titanic during the early-morning
hours of April 15, 1912 ... most died of hypothermia.
Hypothermia is caused when your body's core
temperature drops. This quickly causes confusion, disorientation
and rigid muscles. Eventually, speech will become slurred, shivering
will stop, but breathing will become shallow, pulse will weaken, and in
the end … unconsciousness and finally death. It's also important
to note that alcohol will greatly increase your chances of suffering from
hypothermia.
On a large reservoir, there's never any "safe
ice." The lake waters are moving and levels are fluctuating enough
to prevent solid ice from forming. Two snowmobile riders drowned
trying to cross Saylorville Lake several years ago. Needless to say,
vehicles are not allowed on the reservoir ice.
Ice fishing enthusiasts should try nearby
ponds or small lakes. Farm ponds can have great fishing, but be sure
to ask the landowner first.
Remember there's no such thing as 100-percent
safe ice! |