ICE SAFETY GUIDE

Scene from Lincoln Woods State Park

[A guide with useful information for ice safety].

The following rules should be followed to insure ice safety:

• Never assume the ice is safe.
• The only safe ice is at a rink.
• Never skate on an untested lake or pond.
• The ice should have a minimum of at least [6] inches.
• Never skate alone.
• Only skate during the day or if an area is illuminated
• Know the body of water, nearby street, and where the nearest location is to go for help.
• Never use ice for a shortcut.
• Never go out onto the ice after an animal or toy.

 

ICE STRENGTH

With respect to the ice strength, a point of great importance to skaters and others is that you cannot tell the strength of the ice simply by its looks and thickness, the daily temperature, or whether or not the ice is covered with snow. The strength of ice is determined by several factors:

• Chemistry of the water [Salt or Fresh].
• Local climatic factors such as wind, snow , rain, and temperature fluctuations which can vary considerably from day to day
• The presence of currents such as at stream inflows / outflows, and along streams or rivers.
• The presence of springs and the size and depth of the lake or pond.
• The distribution of the weight or load placed on the ice.
• The signs of expansion cracks.

For immediate response – call 911

What to do when someone has fallen through the ice:

• Chemistry of the water [Salt or Fresh].
• Do not attempt to rescue the victim. If the ice could
  not support their weight, it will not support your
  weight.
• Try to calm and reassure the victim and have them stay
  afloat.
• Go to nearby location and call 911 for help. Also wait
  for emergency responders to bring them to the exact
  location of the victim.
• If with a responsible adult, have the adult return to
  try and assist the victim from shore.
• First, is to provide victim with something to help them
  stay afloat such as plastic milk or soda bottles, or
  a spare tire.
• If the victim is stable and afloat try to send
  something to reach and retrieve victim such as a
  rope, extension cord, ladder, branch, boat or tying
  clothes together.
• If victim is retrieved to shore, take steps to keep
  victim warm [ change clothes, wrap in blanket ]
  until rescue personnel arrive.

It takes at least 5 to 7 days of temperatures in the low 20’s before ice may become safe.

Ice Safety Programs: May be available through your local city or town public safety office or fire department.

Remember: Safe Ice is found at my local Ice Rink. Safe outdoor skating must have adult supervision.

State Park Ice Information Line Division of Parks & Recreation 2321 Hartford Avenue Johnston, RI 02919 Telephone # [401] 222 - 2632