Remember safety this winter when walking on ice

METRO DETROIT — While winter recreational activities provide a cool time, it’s important to remember safety when venturing out on the ice.

Capt. Anthony Popiel, the United States Coast Guard 9th District Ice Rescue Program manager, said residents should bring the right safety equipment when venturing out on the ice. He said that while Coast Guard personnel wear dry suits, the average person would not have this.

“If you’re going to be on the ice, wear something that’s really, really warm and something that will preserve your body heat. Layers of clothing,” Popiel said.

He also recommended residents carry ice picks or screwdrivers in the case that a person does fall through the ice. This gives a person leverage on the ice.

St. Clair Shores Fire Chief James Piper said it’s best to take a buddy with you when walking on ice.

Popiel said it is also a good idea to let people know where you’re going, who you’re with and your estimated time of arrival.

“If something did happen, they will know to notify response authorities or to go check up on you if you don’t come back there when you are supposed to be back,” Popiel said.

Noise makers such as whistles are also recommended. Brightly colored or reflective clothing helps as well as flotation devices such as life jackets.

“If you fall through, you’re going to need all the floatation you can, and to have some kind of life jacket on that will keep you afloat and give you an opportunity to self-rescue is highly recommended,” Popiel said.

The first thing a person should do if another falls through the ice is to all 911, Piper said. If something happens to both people without notifying authorities, then both are stuck in a bad situation with no help on the way.

“That’s why the other part of that is (to) have a plan if something happens,” Piper said. “You’re calling for help right away before attempting to do any kind of rescue or anything like that.”

Popiel said when they conduct training, they use a drill or another device to test the ice thickness. It’s the best way for residents to check the thickness as well.

The standard safe thickness to walk on, he said, is around 4 inches. Piper said some sources say 6-8 inches is the right thickness for light vehicles including ATVs and even thicker ice is needed for passenger vehicles.

“Make sure that the ice is good and strong,” Popiel said.

Popiel said calm waters produce stronger ice while flowing water such as rivers produces weaker ice.

“Or if it’s near a dock or a pier or something like that where you have just some natural water movement around objects, that’s going to make weaker ice as well,” Popiel said. “So those are just things to look out for when people are going out onto the ice.”

Piper said to check the thickness as you go.

“If you’re one of those people that don’t know the signs of the proper amount of ice thickness and things like that, that would be a strong indication that maybe’s not a good time for you to be out on the lake,” Piper said.

Different people can handle different water temperatures, but, Piper said, hypothermia sets in almost immediately.

“Water is a great conductor of temperature. So as soon as you’re through the ice and in the cold, hypothermia can set in really fast,” Piper said.

He also said due to shock, some people’s bodies freeze and lock up.

“If you’re not prepared for it, it’s not the best thing to have happen to you, obviously,” Piper said.

Popiel said a person has only around 10 minutes of function when they fall into the water.

As soon as a person is out of the ice, emergency responders typically start warming them with blankets, warm water and, in extreme cases, warm IV fluids.

If the ice starts cracking underneath you, the best thing to do is to distribute your weight by crawling on your hands and knees and don’t panic. Move away from the cracking and if it isn’t visible move back in the direction you first came from.