Experts Stress Caution On Lake Ice

Duluth, Minn.– As the temps go down, the anticipation for ice fishing goes up. It’s super important to get your essentials like ice picks and floatation suits. But of course, keeping safety in mind is crucial for this sport.

Every year, it’s as important as ever to brush up on ice safety. Timing out your first trip is essential.

A piece of advice from Marine General owner Russ Fransisco, if you’re unsure, just don’t go.

“We’re anywhere from 4-8 inches depending on what lake. But it’s early ice, so you never know. You never know where the river mouths are, the springs are, where it hasn’t frozen well yet. Swampy areas where you see lots of cattails can be dangerous,” said Russ Francisco.

Before making that first trip, make sure you’re prepared for every scenario possible.

“Be calm, take slow breaths. Turn around in the direction you were coming from. Get your arms on the ice. Kick your feet until your body is horizontal. And then use your ice picks to start pulling yourself on the ice. And when you get out of the water, roll away from the hole so you don’t break the ice again,” Nicole Biagi, the Ice Safety Coordinator for the Minnesota DNR.

And to make sure you’re safe, it boils down to having the right gear.

“Anybody going out on the ice this time of year should have the right floatation devices. So that’s a foam life jacket, or a float coat. But you don’t want to have an inflatable life jacket, those are known to not inflate properly this time of year,” said Biagi.

In order to have the right gear, you may need to invest in some lifesaving equipment.

“We’ve always had decent suits, but floating suits are the big one. You don’t have to spend a lot of money, but you’re going to spend a few dollars. Somewhere between $300 to $600 buys a pretty good suit. And it floats, so if you go in the water, it’ll keep you afloat for 45 minutes to an hour,” said Francisco.

That being said, there may be some lifesaving items, that you could already have.

“So, you need to have flotation, and ice picks, and ice cleats are really good to have right now. With the slippery ice, if you fall, not only could you hurt yourself, but that fall could cause the ice to break. If you could try to find a rope, or jumper cable, anything that you can throw to them or extend to help them, that’s great. But don’t go on the ice, just call 911,” said Biagi.

Whenever you decide to participate in this sport be sure to tell a family member or friend where you’re going and when you’re expected to return.

Or bring someone on the ice with you.