Ice Lake Safety this Winter

St Louis County – Tis the season for freezing temperatures in the Northland. And with the cold weather, comes the winter sports we all enjoy. But until the hard freeze comes, lakes like this one, are in transition, and can be deceptively dangerous.

At this time of year, the Minnesota DNR works hand in hand with the St. Louis Rescue Squad. Both say never take for granted the ice is safe. Rick Slatten volunteers his time leading efforts with the County and Aimee Hand is a Conservation Officer.

“Everyone wants go get out and you assume it is safe because everyone else is out there. You can never do that,” said Aimee.

Rick said, “No ice is 100 percent safe. You may be standing on good ice and 10 feet away may be something that causes you to break through. ”

They agree everyone needs a safety plan, and should make sure someone knows where you are going…especially if you are on your own. To ensure you don’t fall through the ice, take certain equipment with you, just in case.

” Dress warmly, carry ice spikes, wear a pfd on the ice when you are going out in these early conditions, wear a pfd. It ensures you’ll stay afloat so you’ve got that time to get back on the ice.” said Slatten.

Hand says prioritizing caution will prevent accidents.

” It’s all about being safe, and making sure you get home at the end of the day.”

When things go wrong, the St. Louis County Rescue Squad gets the call. Comprised of volunteers, squad members receive special training that is geared toward water safety. Rick Slatten says in the excitement of winter season sports has started, and too many can become careless.

“People go out on the ice way too early. There’s these die hard, dyed in the wool, crappie fisherman who will be on their bellies out there on a quarter inch of ice.”

He said to remember these guidelines.

” Three inches is the minimum thickness for walking on the ice, 5 inches for an ATV or snowmobile, 12 inches for a regular passenger vehicle and 15 inches for a truck.”

Slatten says tragic events do occur, but most accidents are preventable.

We are already in the throes of the holiday season, and are preparing to ring in the New Year next month. It is important for all of us to remember that no risk is worth the danger to your life and the lives of others.

“Stuff happens, the random event, but the others are failure to plan and the vacation state of mind where it cannot happen to me. You have to think it can happen to me and plan for it to happen to you, ” he concluded.