In our first post, we covered the physics of ice strength, guidelines around ice thickness, and more.  In this post, we will hit many of the things you need to do and know ahead of venturing out, what to do if you do happen to fall through, and how to safely help others. You can also check the WI and MI DNR sites for some great ice safety information.

First Responder Ice Rescue Training on Okauchee Lake in Oconomowoc, WI

Know Before You Go

• Always remember that ice is never completely safe.
  • Check with local bait shops and establishments and TRUSTED social media sources to learn more about ice conditions and areas of concern.
• Bring a buddy, never go alone, especially at night.
• Let people know where you are going and approximate return times.
• Do not venture into unfamiliar or unmarked areas.
• Avoid being on the ice at night if possible.

Take the Right Things

• Ice picks are inexpensive and can be a life saver.
• Floatation equipped outerwear works. Many brands now have floatation assist built into the ice fishing and related coats and bibs. You can and should bring other floatation devices with you.
• Tape measure or ruler to check ice thickness
• GPS/Navigational gear to stay on track
• A cell phone with adequate coverage. Some newer cell phones have satellite capabilities included in case of an emergency out of normal coverage range. Check with your provider for details.
• Ice cleats for traction
• A rope for helping others
• A headlamp or other light source and a whistle which can be used as signals.

Now that you are packed up, prepared and ready, let’s get into things to think about if the unfortunate should happen and you find yourself in the water after falling through the ice.  First, we will begin with a common principle that helps you to mentally prepare. There is a common theory about the timing of certain things you need to focus on when you fall into cold water.  It’s called the 1-10-1 principle.  While it sounds horrifying, having a plan in mind now may help you later.

One Minute
You have one minute to get your breathing under control.  When falling in, your body produces an involuntary gasp (cold shock or torso reflex) that can make you inhale water.  The key here is to protect your face as much as possible and get your breathing under control with slow, deliberate, and consistent breaths.

This prevents hyperventilation, conserves oxygen, and without getting too technical, triggers a natural survival reflex in the body which is activated by immersion in cold water (points awarded for anyone in the comments who knows the name of the reflex) which slows your heart rate and redirects blood to vital organs.

Ten Minutes
You will have 10 minutes or less of meaningful movement.  In that time, you need to think about what to do first.  This may be attempting self-rescue, signaling for help, or locating other party members.  After ten minutes (or less), your muscles and body movements will shut down, limiting your ability to do anything.

One Hour
You will have less than an hour of consciousness before going into deep hypothermia.  Concentrating on reducing any heat loss is key during this time.

If You Fall In

Me, untangling ice pick tether lines as part of Ice Rescue Instructor Training

Don’t panic, control your breathing, and remain calm.  Following these self-rescue tips can help:

• Keep clothing on as it will help you float in most cases as air pockets remain in the insulation of outerwear.
• Attempt to get back toward the ice shelf/direction where you fell in. That is “known” stronger ice (before you went in).
• If you have ice picks: jam them downward in a stabbing motion as far out onto the strong ice as possible.
• If you don’t have ice picks, you can attempt to use slush in the water on your hands and slam the slush onto the ice. The slush freezes quickly and can be used as a hand hold/grip.
• While holding onto your ice picks or slush grips, kick, kick, kick and use your arms and elbows to pull yourself up and out.
• DO NOT STAND once you are out of the water on safe ice. Remain as flat and spread out as possible and roll, crawl, or slide to distribute your weight while moving to safety. You’ve always wanted to practice that army crawl, so now is your chance.
• Get to a warm and dry area and begin to rewarm yourself as soon as possible. Call for help to ensure others can be with you during the warming process. Gradual warming heat is better than large amounts of high heat. High heat may cause your ice-cold blood to move too quickly into vital organs, which may cause additional shock to your body.

Safely Helping Others

Many, many, many people who were not involved in an original ice rescue become victims themselves when foolishly attempting to rescue friends or pets.  If you witness someone go in, visually make note of the location and call 911 immediately to get first responders in motion before attempting anything below.  Attempt the techniques below only if it is safe to do so without putting yourself or others at risk. This also applies to pets as well.  As hard as it may be to watch, DO NOT BECOME A SECOND VICTIM.

• PREACH- Call 911 immediately, talk/shout to the victim, give them tips on self-rescue and reassure them that help is on the way.  If possible have the victim tell you if anyone else fell in as well.
• REACH- If you can safely extend any object to the person in the water such as a rope, shovel, pool noodle, ladder, etc., do so. If the person begins to pull you toward them, release and begin again.
• THROW #1- If you have a float cushion, life jacket, or other floatation device, attach it to a rope and attempt to throw it to the victim. Or slide it out in front of the “reach” items above.
• THROW #2- If a rope is available, throw it to the person and have them secure the rope around them (around waist or under armpits) before they begin to lose muscle functions. Then, with help and the victim using the self-rescue techniques above, slowly pull.  Once again, if the victim pulls you toward them, release or let out more slack and begin again.
• ROW- If you have access to a light flat-bottom boat, raft, or other sturdy item that floats (even the large water mats work, depending on temperatures), use those to get to the victim and pull them to safety.
• TOW- Tow them with the rope, boat, or other object.
• DON’T GO- GOING IS RESERVED FOR FIRST RESPONDERS IN ICE RESCUE GEAR. DO NOT GO INTO THE WATER OR INTO UNKNOWN ICE STRENGTH AREAS AS YOU MAY THEN BECOME ANOTHER VICTIM.

It is always good to ask victims if they were alone and be sure you or others are in constant contact with 911 dispatchers to provide updates on victim condition, location, or other helpful information.

Be prepared both physically and mentally, prepare wisely, and be safe this winter!