No ice is safe ice is a warning that officials are repeating as four people died after falling through ice in Northern Michigan in December.
Brothers James and Johnathan Brake fell through the ice and died in Kalkaska County while snowmobilers Jason Aimer and Daniel Meyers went missing and were later found dead after falling through ice in Mason County.
This has prompted officials like Earl Manuel, the recreational division sergeant with the Cheboygan County Sheriff Department, and undersheriff Nathan Kaminski of the Charlevoix County Sheriff Department to remind everyone to use caution and understand safety procedures when venturing on to ice on lakes or other bodies of water.
Before going out on the ice, Kaminski urges everyone to “make sure someone knows your plan and knows where you are going and when they can expect you to return. If you are going to go ice fishing or do something else, make sure you tell at least one other person.”
“They should be checking weather conditions and consulting with someone who knows about the lake and the ice because ice conditions can change daily,” added Manuel. “Ice thickness can vary widely within a few feet of a spot in which you are standing. Ice can look solid from the shore, but it can be thin just a few steps out.”
Manuel also discouraged solo trips on the ice.
“I wouldn’t recommend that anyone goes out on the ice alone and always tell someone where you are going,” he said.
Both agree there should be no foot traffic on ice less than four inches thick.
“Five to seven inches is good for a snowmobile, and eight to 12 inches is good for a small truck or car,” Manuel said.
“An important item to use is a spud to check on thickness. Those can be purchased at local hardware and farm stores,” Kaminski added.
Weather can be vital in determining ice safety.
“Remember conditions can change rapidly. We have had several weeks of cold weather and then it was in the 40s with rain for a couple of days,” said Kaminski.
What if you come to a lake and there aren’t any ice fishing shanties — should you take that as a warning sign?
“I go out to Black and Burt lakes and if I wasn’t an avid ice fisherman and didn’t see anyone out there, I absolutely would be concerned. Usually as soon as there is good ice you will see ice fishermen on the lake,” said Manuel.
“It could be a concern, and it might mean the ice isn’t thick enough. Or it could mean the fishing isn’t great on the lake,” Kaminski added.
If you do fall through the ice, Kaminski and Manuel said don’t panic.
“Try to use your arms to crawl to the edge of the ice,” said Kaminski. “Then using your arms and elbows try to get yourself up on to the ice. If you get up on the ice, roll yourself away so you can spread your weight out rather than having it all in one specific spot.”
“Leave your gear and clothing on because it will help to keep you warm,” Manuel added. “You should try to make it to the edge of the ice and rest your arms on the ice. Try and pull yourself out of the water, and if you break through go to the next section. If you can’t pull yourself up, set your arms up on the ice so they can freeze and hold you there. Then call for help.”
For more information on ice safety, visit michigan.gov/dnr/education/safety-info/ice.
— Contact Paul Welitzkin at pwelitzkin@gaylordheraldtimes.com
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: No ice is safe ice: Officials offer advice for going out on the ice
Reporting by Paul Welitzkin, The Petoskey News-Review / The Petoskey News-Review
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