Indiana Conservation Officers: Always Assume You're On “Thin Ice”

Just like driving differently on snow versus on clear roads, it’s important to adjust your approach to safely have fun on the ice.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - With the recent temperature drops across the state, Indiana Conservation Officers are advising Hoosiers across the state of the potential hazards of being on frozen lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams.

It’s also important to keep a watchful eye for other people who may venture out on neighborhood retention ponds, lakes, and other waterways and find themselves in trouble.

Every winter, thousands of Hoosiers safely enjoy fishing, skating, hiking, or just sliding around on frozen ponds and lakes. And every year, people drown after falling through the ice.

Just like driving differently on snow versus on clear roads, it’s important to adjust your approach to safely have fun on the ice.

The best rule of thumb is to put safety first.  When you are thinking about getting on the ice, believe it is thin ice unless proven otherwise.

Here are a few tips to remember when considering standing on or walking on a frozen lake or pond: 

• Remember that no ice is safe ice.
• If you don’t know the thickness of the ice, don’t go on it.
• Before going on the ice, leave a note of your whereabouts with a friend or family member.
• Don’t test the thickness of ice while alone.
• When testing the thickness of ice, use an ice auger. At least 4 inches of ice is recommended for ice fishing; at least 5 inches is recommended for snowmobiling.
• Wear a life jacket or flotation coat.
• Carry ice hooks and rope gear.

Wearing a life jacket is especially important when on the ice. If you fall through, a life jacket will keep your head above the water until help arrives.

Remember that the coatings of snow that Indiana receives can also make for treacherous ice conditions. The snow can insulate the ice, causing it to freeze at a slower rate. When snow and rain freeze into ice, it is never as strong as solid, clear ice.

Some other tips:

• If you see a pet or other animal in distress on the ice, do not go on the ice after it. Doing so can often end in tragedy. Instead, contact your local emergency response personnel, who are equipped to make a rescue.
• Remember that some bodies of water will appear to be frozen solid but can have thin ice in several potentially unexpected areas.
• Flowing water, such as rivers and streams, should be avoided when covered by a layer of ice.
• Water that is surrounded by sand may freeze with inconsistencies in the thickness of the ice.
• Underground springs, wind, waterfowl, and other animals can also keep areas of ice thin.

Enjoy the winter weather but make safety a priority.