A recent cold spell and snow cover across much of the state has outdoors enthusiasts pulling out their sleds, ice augers, skis, skates, snowshoes, binoculars and even ice kites.
Winter sports are on the roll from candlelight skiing and hiking at Wisconsin’s State Parks, to ice fishing, eagle watching, skijoring and snowmobiling.
The Department of Natural Resources wants people to have a safe and enjoyable time in Wisconsin’s outdoors. This winter, the DNR safety specialists recommends that outdoor enthusiasts take time to properly prepare before heading outside and that they follow some basic safety tips to ward off the cold and prevent accidents and hypothermia.
Ice safety
Whether ice fishing or ice kiting (skiing or snowboarding while pulled by kites), here is some advice to increase safety while on and around the ice:
Use an ice shanty to keep the wind and blowing snow from chilling you to the bone.
It’s best not to venture out alone. But, if you choose to, let someone else know where you are going and when you are expected to return and what route you intend to take.
Never venture onto rivers where currents may cause thin ice conditions that aren’t visible due to erosion of the ice from below.
Treat all ice as if it is unsafe because ice is never 100 percent safe. Check ice conditions with local bait shops and resorts before going out on the ice.
Remember that ice may look okay, but it’s difficult to tell for sure by appearances. Ice may be thin in spots or a thin ice cover may hide honeycomb ice or water pockets.
Keep something sharp nearby (picks, large nails etc.) for digging into the ice to pull yourself to safety if you fall through. This can be a simple tool that you can make and may save your life if you fall through. Drive nails in one end of two stubby dowels, drill a hole in each of the other ends and tie a rope through the holes. Keep this around your neck so it's handy. Use it to dig into the ice and quickly claw your way out if you fall through. Once on the ice surface, head back to shore the way you came.
Ice travelers may want to wear a personal floatation device (PDF) especially on waterways where the ice thickness may vary or have weak spots.
Stay warm:
Wisconsin state parks, trails and forests have nearly 700 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails for your enjoyment. Some are tracked for traditional skiing, some groomed for skate-style skiing, and some are wide enough to accommodate both styles.
Sledding, hiking and bird watching are other popular winter woodland pursuits. While in the woods, on the hill or following the trails, stay warm by dressing in layers. Wear wool hats, mittens and waterproof boots.
Don’t get lost. Try to stay on the trail. To avoid getting lost on a large lake or in the woods, be aware of daylight and weather conditions. Learn to use a map and compass to stay oriented.
Carry a first-aid kit, flashlight, knife, compass, map, and waterproof matches.
Snowmobiling
More than 200,000 registered snowmobiles are expected to hit Wisconsin's 25,000 miles of groomed trails this winter, making safety an important part of the ride.
To be safe, take a snowmobile safety course.
Slow down. Speed is a contributing factor in most fatal snowmobiling accidents. Drivers should proceed at a pace that will allow ample reaction time for any situation. Drive at moderate speeds, and drive defensively, especially after sunset. Wisconsin has a new law that sets a statewide 55 mph nighttime speed limit.
Don’t drink and drive.
Avoid traveling across bodies of water when uncertain of ice thickness or water currents. Rapidly changing weather and moving water in streams and lake inlets also affect the thickness and strength of ice on lakes and ponds. Snow cover can act as a blanket and prevents thick strong ice from forming.
Dress appropriately. Always wear a helmet with goggles or a face shield to prevent injuries from twigs and flying debris. Wear layers of water-repellent clothing and make sure you have no loose ends that might catch in the machine or tangle in equipment.
Stay on marked trails or, where allowed, on the right portion of the road. Be alert for fences, tree stumps and stretched wire that may be concealed by snow.
FOR MORE INFORMATION on winter recreation safety contact DNR Recreation Enforcement and Education Chief William Engfer at (608) 266-0859 or DNR Snowmobile and ATV Administrator Gary Eddy at (608) 267-7455
Article Source:
http://justnorth.com/Articles/tabid/105/articleType/AuthorView/authorID/12/justnorth.aspx