Falling through ice cover into the frigid water beneath can quickly lead to hypothermia and drowning. Learn how to stay safe on the ice before you go out. No matter how prepared you are, there is always the possibility of falling through the ice. Know what to do if you fall through ice cover.
Difficulty:
Time Required: Less than 30 minutes until severe hypothermia
Here's How:
- DON'T PANIC! This is probably the most important thing to remember on the ice; panic causes you to lose focus.
- Leave all your layers on. While it seems that heavy winter clothing would weigh you down, it actually traps air and makes you more buoyant.
- Turn around and face the direction you were coming from. This area supported your weight already; it's better to go in a direction you know will hold you than to try an unknown.
- Lay your hands flat on the unbroken ice. Use ice picks if you have them. If not, use anything that can give you a bite into the ice - screwdrivers or knives, for example.
- Kick and pull to work your way back onto the ice. If your clothing is soaked with water, you may have to pause halfway out to let your clothing drain.
- Once you are out of the water, lay flat on the ice. DO NOT STAND! Laying flat will spread your weight out over the ice and help support you.
- Roll away from the hole. This is the best way to keep your weight spread out.
- Get to shelter quickly! Once in a warm, dry shelter, follow the steps to treat yourself for hypothermia. Srip your wet clothing off and begin to warm up. Cold, wet clothing will speed the onset of hypothermia more than anything else.
Tips:
- Being prepared is the key to safety on the ice. Make sure you have the tools to stay safe on the ice.
What You Need:
- Ice picks
- Personal flotation device
