By: Community Officer Jeff Kirchman
“No ice is safe ice.”
That’s what a fishing mentor told me years ago, before my first ice fishing adventure. And that’s what I remind myself before I step onto any frozen body of water.
UW-Madison has miles of shoreline, making it a popular spot for people venturing onto frozen Lake Mendota. Beyond ice fishing, other common activities include skating, cross-country skiing, or hiking. It’s good to remind ourselves how we can make those activities, not safe, but safer.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources offers some basic ice precautions:
- Ice strength depends on a combination of age, thickness, temperature, snow cover and more. Don’t believe ice is safe based on a single factor, such as thickness. Ice can also be safer in one area and more dangerous nearby.
- Wear a personal flotation device.
- Don’t go out alone – travel with a buddy who can assist or call for help.
- Heed ‘thin ice’ or related warnings.
- Carry tools to assist in an emergency, such as ice picks, rope, ice cleats, or a cell phone.
- Steer clear of any standing or open water.
The weather is warming up, making this one of the most dangerous times of year for ice safety. For more ice safety tips, review the DNR’s Know Before You Go ice safety brochure.