Ice fishing safety tips
IT’S ImPoSSIBle To JuDge the strength
of ice by its appearance, thickness, daily
temperature, or snow cover alone. Ice strength
is actually dependent on all four factors, plus
water depth under the ice, the size of the
water and water chemistry, currents, and
distribution of the load on the ice.
null wait to walk out on the ice until there are
at least 10 cm (4 inches) of clear, solid ice.
Thinner ice will support one person, but
since ice thickness can vary considerably,
especially at the beginning and end of the null wear a life jacket. life vests or float null above all, avoid alcoholic beverages. Beer
season, 10 cm will provide a margin of safety. coats provide excellent flotation and and liquor increases your chances for
Some factors that can change ice thickness protection from hypothermia (loss of body hypothermia and increases the likelihood
include flocks of waterfowl and schools of temperature). never wear a life jacket if that you’ll make a stupid mistake that will
fish. By congregating in a small area, fish you are travelling in an enclosed vehicle, cost you or a companion their life.
can cause warmer water from the bottom however. It could hamper escape in null Having taken all of these precautions,
towards the surface, weakening or in some case of a breakthrough. you’re now going to try your luck at
cases opening large holes in the ice. null Carry a pair of homemade ice picks or even fishing. walking out on the ice, you hear
null go out with a friend and keep a good distance a pair of screwdrivers tied together with a a crack and break through. Suddenly you
apart as you walk out. If one of you goes in few metres of strong cord that can be used find yourself immersed up to your neck in
the other can call for help on the cellphone to pull yourself up and onto the ice if you do water so cold it takes your breath away.
(don’t forget to bring it!) The companion fall in. Be sure they have wooden handles so Try not to panic. of course, that’s easier
can also attempt a rescue if one of you is if you drop them in the struggle to get out said than done, but if you decide on a
carrying rope or other survival gear. of the water, they won’t go straight to the plan before you actually fall in, survival
null river ice is always unsafe. Be extremely bottom! chances are greatly improved.
cautious crossing ice near river mouths, null avoid driving on the ice whenever possible.
Source: www.walleyehunter.com/icesafety.html and the
points of land, bridges, islands, and over Travelling in a vehicle, especially early or late
Lifesaving Society www.lifesaving.ca
reefs and springs. Current almost always in the season is simply an accident waiting
causes ice to be thinner over these areas. to happen.
null Snowmobiles and aTV’s need at least 12 cm null Be prepared to bail out in a hurry if you
and cars and light trucks need at least 25- find it necessary to use a car. unbuckle
30 cm of good clear ice. your seatbelt and have a plan of action if
null Contact a local resort or bait shop for you do breakthrough. Some safety experts
information about known thin ice areas. recommend driving with the window rolled
null avoid going onto the ice if it has melted down and the doors ajar for an easy escape.
away from the shore. This indicates melting move your car frequently. Parking in one
is underway or there has been a warm spell. place for a long period weakens ice. Don’t
Ice can shift position as wind direction park near cracks, and watch out for pressure
changes. ridges or ice heaves.
null never drive across ice at night or when it is
snowing. reduced visibility increases your
chances for driving into an open or weak
ice area.
null mark your holes. If you’ve been drilling
fishing holes more than a few feet from
your hut, make sure they’re marked. There’s
nothing worse than driving your vehicle over
a stray hole. It can cause serious damage to
a vehicle as well as the shocks and tires.
null Ventilate your hut. Heated fishing huts
must have good ventilation to prevent
deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
always keep a window or door partially
open to allow fresh air to circulate. This

ALLARD
is really important if you plan to sleep in
Y

TIM

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your hut overnight.
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OTTAWA >> WINTER 2008/2009 41
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