Sound Advice Around Thin Ice

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Long winter cold spells often cause lakes, ponds and small streams to freeze. 

Ohio Department of Natural Resources Officer John Deblo shared some of the winter activities that Ohioans undertake as well as ways they can stay safe around the water.

“Ice fishing, like you mentioned, is something that could happen if it freezes over well enough,” Deblo said. “We still have some duck hunting and waterfowl hunting going on that could be hunting in and around ice. As well as recreational ice skating. The biggest thing to remember is no ice is safe ice. There’s inherent risk anytime we’re out in the ice. There’s many factors that can lead… kind of play into what’s considered safe ice.”

Too many factors including fluctuating weather conditions can lead to inconsistent stability and there is no set criteria to exactly judge how strong the ice might be. 

“When you’re out on the ice, it would be a good idea to definitely wear your life jacket, make sure it’s a properly fitted life jacket,” Deblo said. “Having ice picks that you could use to get yourself up out of the water, throw bags, emergency rope, rescue throw bags. Recommend staying informed with the changing weather conditions, dressing in warm layers, making a plan and letting somebody know that plan. That way they know when they expect to have you return. And remember to try to distribute your weight out on the ice the best you can, especially if you’re fishing with a group. Make sure you’re not having all that weight in one area.”

Being submerged in any water below body temperature accelerates heat loss 25 times faster than air of the same temperature, which can significantly increase the risk of hypothermia.