Sheriff Bouchard issues warning over unsafe ice conditions

Our freeze-thaw conditions in southeast Michigan are predictable for creating unsafe ice conditions throughout the spring. Although we do provide general ice safety guidelines, no ice is 100% safe! We recommend five inches of solid clear ice for general foot traffic such as ice skaters and fishing. We recommend eight inches of solid clear ice for travel by snowmobile or ORV’s.

Judging safe ice is not an easy task considering the many factors involved. A major concern for our first responders is children and young people who venture onto the ice driven by a natural curiosity. Parents and care providers should take a moment to point out and warn young people how unpredictable the ice may be and how unforgiving the cold water will be.

Pets that venture out onto the ice are another common cause for near-drowning and deaths. If you discover your pet has ventured out onto the ice, resist the urge to go out after them. Stay at a safe location on shore and persuade them back to safety.

The “ice safety tips” below will assist you when judging ice conditions. Understanding the risks will help keep your family, friends and neighbors safe. “When in doubt, don’t go out”!

Oakland County Sheriff's Department
Marine Unit Ice Safety Tips

There is no ice that is 100 % safe.  The following chart is a recommended guide to help judge recreational use of clear, solid blue ice and help you minimize your risk:

 5" inches thick minimum for general use (fisherman, ice skaters, and foot traffic)

8" inches thick minimum for travel by snowmobile, Off Road Vehicle (ORV) We do not recommend automobiles out on the ice.  This also voids any insurance claims)

Survey the ice, keeping in mind that ice conditions change day by day, lake by lake and location by location on the same body of water.  Some signs of changing ice conditions can be, but are not limited to: moving water near a stream, river, unseen spring or inlet, slushy areas, depressions in the snow, heavy snow, white “milky” or black colored ice and “frazzle” ice  weakened by the freeze-thaw cycles.  Frazzle ice is pocketed with tiny air pockets and often looks like frozen slush. These are all signs of thin ice or unsafe ice.

·  Do not go out alone on the ice.  Always take a partner or someone who can call 911or go for help in an emergency.

·  Do not make the first tracks on the ice.  Check with someone who has experience with a particular lake or pond before you venture out on the ice.

·  Always leave a travel plan with someone who can call for help and direct a search party if you do not return.

·  Plan ahead by dressing appropriately for changing weather conditions.  Dress in layers to protect all exposed parts of your body.  Consider wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) as part of your overall protective clothing or a flotation jacket or suit.  Ice creepers attached to boots will help to keep you stable on the ice and can assist in self-rescue.

·  Bring safety items which may include: cell phone, whistle, rope, ice pick or awls, screw driver, hand flares, flashlight, throwable PFD.  Plan ahead for a rescue.

·        Check and double check the ice thickness with an ice spud, auger or cordless drill.  If you discover a weak spot, retrace your route off the ice.  Keep a distance between others in your group.

·  If you hear the ice crack or detect unsafe ice you should stay spread out, immediately lie down (which will distribute your weight) and crawl back to safer ice by the same way you came.

·  If someone falls through the ice, do not run to the hole.  First call 911 and get help on the way and then use a pole, branch, rope or any other handy object, which can be extended to the victim from a safe position.  You cannot help if you also become a victim.

·  If you fall through the ice, do not panic, because this will only hinder your self-rescue actions.  Call out for help and kick your feet while getting your hands and then arms up onto safer ice.  This is when the ice awl or screwdriver will help you with your self-rescue.  Continue to "swim" up onto the ice far enough to crawl or "roll-out" to safer ice.

·  Snowmobiles, ORV's and vehicles on the ice increase your risk of falling through, especially at night.  Many accidents occur when operators are driving at a high rate of speed (over driving) and are unable to slow or stop in time to avoid open water or unsafe ice. 

·  Pets that venture onto unsafe ice are another major cause for many near drownings and deaths.  If you find your pet has ventured out onto the ice, resist the urge to go out after them.  Stay at a safe position on shore and persuade them back to safety. 

·  Wildlife that ventures onto unsafe ice is a natural occurrence.  Wildlife such as deer are strong swimmers prepared for cold weather and find their own way off the ice.  Most often, wildlife discovered in the water are injured and succumb to injuries from predators or natural forces.

Oakland County offers many outdoor recreation opportunities with our lakes, ponds and rivers.  However, before you step out onto the ice we strongly urge you to plan ahead and consider the risks involved.  "When in doubt, don't go out".

The Oakland County Sheriff's Marine Unit offers: Boating, ORV, Snowmobile, and Hunting Safety Classes to the public.  If you would like more information on "Ice Safety" or any of our outdoor recreation safety classes please call us at (248) 858-7831 or visit us on our web site at www.OakandSheriff.com.