It happens way too often during colder months – we hear news stories of people who have fallen through ice and died. In February 2010, an ATV rider fatally crashed through the ice in Lac La Hache, B.C. In December 2010, two preteen brothers were playing hockey on the Red River in Manitoba when they both fell through the ice. A preteen brother and sister were sledding on a frozen pond in Missouri in January 2011 when the ice gave way; they both drowned. Avoid being a victim of thin ice.
Ice Thickness Safety Levels
White ice has air or snow in it. It is about half as strong as clear ice so use extreme caution on unclear ice. The recommended minimum ice thickness for new, clear, hard ice according to the Lifesaving Society of Canada is:
- 7cm or less (2.75 inches or less) - STAY OFF
- 10cm (3.9 inches) - ice fishing, walking, and cross country skiing
- 12cm (4.7 inches) - one snowmobile or ATV
- 20 - 30cm (7.9 inches to 11.8 inches) - one car or small pickup
- 30 - 38cm (11.8 inches to 15 inches) - one medium truck, pickup, or van
How to Test Ice for Thickness
How do you test for ice thickness? Using an ice auger, an ice chisel, or even a cordless drill, make a hole in the ice until you reach the water below. Insert a tape measure into the hole and hook the bottom edge onto the ice to get a reading of the ice thickness.
Bear in mind that ice will be different thicknesses on the same body of water. It can be half a metre thick in one spot and only ten centimetres thick not far away. Temperatures, water currents, and snow cover can greatly affect ice thickness levels in short time periods.
What if You Fall Through Ice?
What do you do if you fall through ice? Stay calm and keep your wits. Focus on taking deep breaths. Doing so will greatly improve your chances of survival. Using your fingers to get a tight grip, gently pull yourself out of the hole and roll onto your side. Don’t try to stand as you might break through the ice again. If you cannot get out of the hole, prop yourself up the best you can so you are visible to others.
What if Someone Else Falls Through Ice?
What if you are with someone who falls through the ice? Resist the instinct to go pull them out as chances are you will join them in the hole. Use a stick, a rope, or anything handy to pull the water-logged person out of the hole.
Stay safe while venturing out on the ice - never step onto the frozen water if you have any doubts.
Resources:
Lifesaving Society of Canada: Ice Smart Tips
Canadian Red Cross: Ice Safety
Health Canada: Water Safety and Drowning Prevention
Toby Welch - Toby is a full-time freelance writer who specializes in magazine articles, online writing, e-books, and manuscript editing.
