justnorth posted on March 24, 2008 22:55 :: 1145 Views
Outdoor enthusiasts are being cautioned that as warmer temperatures and spring showers move in, Wisconsin’s winter ice cover on lakes is beginning to move out. Lake ice that supported vehicles, fishing shelters and snowmobiles now is no longer trustworthy.
“Ice thickness can change at an alarmingly fast rate that could mean a quick, and potentially deadly dunk for anglers, snowmobilers and other outdoor enthusiasts unless they follow safety precautions, says Gary Eddy, snowmobile safety administrator for Department of Natural Resources.
“The ice can change rapidly in the late season,” Eddy says. “Ice can worsen minute by minute with the warm temperatures and a little rain. Inlets, outlets, ice along shorelines and fishing holes can all deteriorate very quickly.”
Among the top ice safety tips from Eddy is one to check ice conditions with local sources. “Bait shops, local law enforcement agencies and even other anglers can provide you with the most recent information regarding ice conditions,” he said. “And driving on late-season ice is an accident waiting to happen.”
Other safety tips from Eddy include:
- Carry life saving equipment. The best safety device is the personal flotation device (PFD). All-terrain vehicle operators and snowmobilers may wear a snowmobile jacket that contains floatation material or wear a floatation device under the outer jacket. Purchase a pair of ice picks or make your own by driving nails into wood dowels. Should you fall through the ice; the picks will help you grab the ice while pulling yourself out. Also, carry a length of rope in case you have to rescue someone else. An ice spud can be used to check ice conditions as you go.
- Use the buddy system. It is best not to go alone. Should you go through the ice, a companion can rescue you or call for help. If you do go alone, leave a note or let someone where you are going, your intended route and when you expect to return.Minimize travel at night. Bad ice is impossible to see at night and areas that were previously ice covered may quickly become open water.
- If you don’t know, don’t go. If unsure of the ice conditions, don’t go. Just because you see people on the ice does not mean the ice is safe. One area of ice may be thick in one spot and an inch deep just a short distance away.
- You fell in, now what? Don’t panic. The air trapped under your clothing will allow you a few seconds of flotation. Control your breathing and keep calm. Go back to the last safe ice -- where you fell in. Place hands and arms on the unbroken ice; kick your feet (as if swimming) while simultaneously pulling yourself up onto the ice’s surface. Once on the ice, don’t stand. Instead roll away from where you fell in, when several feet away, crawl away to a place safe to stand.
Ice fishing shelters must have been removed from all state waters by March 16
Ice anglers are also reminded that the last deadline for removing ice fishing shelters from the northern waters of the state was March 16. Shelters should already have been removed from southern and boundary waters. Ice anglers may continue to use portable ice fishing shelters as long as they are removed from the ice each day.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Eddy, ATV/Snowmobile Administrator at 608-267-7455
Article Source:
http://justnorth.com/Articles/tabid/105/articleType/AuthorView/authorID/12/justnorth.aspx