Kansas Country Living Magazine
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Trending
    • Sunday Pork Roast with Vegetables
    • Recipes
    • Co-op Community
    • Energy Wise
    • Beef Tri-Tip Roast with Rosemary-Garlic Vegetables
    • Whole Wheat Chocolate Peppermint Drop Cookies
    • Savory Leek, Raisin and Ricotta Tart
    • Grape and Spinach Salad with Raspberry Balsamic Dressing
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
    Kansas Country Living Magazine
    Banner
    • Regular Stuff
      • Commentary
        • CEO Viewpoint
        • Editor’s Letter
      • Co-op Community Commitment
      • Energy Wise
      • Features
      • Cooking My Way Home
      • Your Place in the Garden
      • News Briefs
      • Safety
      • Web Exclusive
      • Current Issue
      • Archives
    • Recipes
      • View Recipes
      • Submit a Recipe
    • Around Kansas
      • View Around Kansas
      • Submit an Event
    • Share With Us
      • Submit a Photo
      • Submit an Event
      • Submit a Recipe
      • Submit a Story
    • My Co-op
    • About
      • About KCL
      • Staff
      • Contributors
      • Subscribe
      • Advertise
      • Contact
    Kansas Country Living Magazine
    Home » Articles » No Walking on Thin Ice
    Safety

    No Walking on Thin Ice

    Vicki EstesBy Brianna Magee, InternJanuary 9, 20213 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

    When the weather gets cold, many Kansans enjoy fun outdoor activities such as ice skating and ice fishing. But as you venture out, remember ice safety is crucial to safely enjoying the cold kiss of winter. Falling through the ice can lead to serious injury or death if precautions are not taken.

    In general, most authorities recommend at least 4 inches of ice for standing, skating and ice fishing. Snowmobiles require at least 5 inches of ice, and anything above 12 inches will support a medium-sized truck. However, ice strength is determined by many factors:

    • Color — clear ice is twice as strong as “snow ice,” also called white ice. Double measurements above for white or snow ice.
    • Distance to shore — ice closer to the shoreline is weaker than the ice farther out.
    • River outlets and inlets — the ice around outlets and inlets is weaker.
    • Obstructions — trees, rocks and plants sticking up through the ice weaken the surrounding ice.
    • Water currents — can cause cracks, holes, weak spots, or front pressure ridges created by the currents.
    • Cover of snow — snow hides what’s underneath; always make sure what’s beneath is stable enough to hold your weight.

    Ice fishing can be an exciting winter activity if done safely. Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism recommends only fishing on clear, solid ice at least 4 inches thick. To determine the ice thickness, make test holes with an ice auger before going out and avoid areas with currents or big areas where waterfowl might’ve been roosting as they may have created holes in the ice.

    As a general rule for anyone planning an ice-related activity, if you are unsure of the ice thickness or other factors listed above, it is better to stay off completely.

    If someone does fall through the ice into the freezing water below, WeatherNation offers these steps to get to safety:

    Stay calm. The shock of the cold will cause your heart rate to increase and cause you to gasp for air. Try to focus on your breathing to get back to a normal breathing state.

    Focus on getting out. Get rid of any excess weight such as a backpack. If underwater, find the hole you fell through by looking for contrasting light and swim for the small spot that looks different from the rest.

    Get yourself out. If you are on your own, grab the edge of the ice and get as horizontal as possible in the water. The ice will be too slippery, so kicking like a seal should propel you onto the ice. If that doesn’t work, conserve your energy and heat while waiting for help.

    Roll to safety. Once out, roll for as long as possible until the ice is thick enough to support you. Retrace your steps to get off the water.

    Surviving the cold. Remove any wet clothing and find shelter. Get warm as quickly as possible, even by exercising to get the blood flowing in the body. It is better to warm up slowly than quickly.

    The most important safety aspects to remember: Never go out on the water alone and make sure to know the conditions of the ice before venturing too far from shore. By practicing these safety tips, you can prevent ice accidents and possibly save yourself and others from bodily harm or death.

    ice safety winter weather
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleGrand-Prize Contenders: 2020 Rural Kansas Photography Contest
    Next Article Caring for Your Christmas Cactus


    Post Frame Buildings
    Categories
    • CEO Viewpoint
    • Co-op Community Commitment
    • Commentary
    • Cooking My Way Home
    • Editor's Letter
    • Energy Wise
    • Featured Home
    • Features
    • News Briefs
    • President's Pen
    • Recipes
    • Safety
    • Uncategorized
    • Web Exclusive
    • Your Place in the Garden


    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • LinkedIn
    About

    Kansas Country Living

    Kansas Country Living is designed to educate Kansas electric cooperative consumer-members on topics that impact rural electrification.

    We're social, connect with us:

    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
    Popular Posts

    Luck O’ the Irish

    March 9, 2023

    Lime Poke Cake

    March 9, 2023

    Lucky Mint Brownies

    March 9, 2023
    ©2022 Kansas Electric Cooperative, Inc.. A Touchstone Energy Cooperative
    • About
    • Privacy
    • Contact

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.