Ice Safety: Essential Tips to Stay Safe This Winter

Did you know that ice hockey was invented on frozen ponds in Canada? While hockey has progressed to a major sport, the tradition of playing on frozen ice lives on.  In addition to sports, there are other hobbies that people enjoy on frozen lakes as well, like ice fishing and even snowmobiling. But before anyone heads out on a frozen body of water it's important to make sure that the water is frozen enough to support the weight of your activity. 

The accepted standard is that ice needs to be about 4 inches thick to support the weight of an average person. However, just being the required thickness is not enough, it's important to keep several ice safety precautions in mind because ice is deceptive. While it can look solid, you can go one step too far and be in trouble quickly.

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind, and keep you safe;

How Thick Does The Ice Need to Be?

Not all ice is the same. Thickness matters, but so does the type of ice. Here’s a quick guide:

• 4 inches (clear, solid ice) – Okay for walking.

• 5 to 7 inches – Enough for a snowmobile or ATV.

• 8 to 12 inches – Required thickness for a small car or light truck.

Clear vs. Cloudy Ice: Why It Matters

• Clear, blue ice – Strongest. It forms in cold, stable conditions and can hold more weight.

• White or cloudy ice – Weaker. It’s full of air pockets and snow. Double the thickness requirement if you’re stepping on this.

Pro Tip: Avoid ice near moving water. Currents make ice unstable, even if it looks solid. Don’t take the risk.

Ice Safety: Smart Habits That Could Save Your Life

Even thick ice can be unpredictable. Here are more tips to ensure your safety:

1. Don’t Go on the Ice Alone

Ice accidents happen fast. If you’re alone, you may not be able to call for help if you need it. Always bring a buddy. If you are alone, tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back.

2. Pay Attention to the Ice

Cracking sounds? Ice shifting underfoot? Get off immediately. Ice weakens with temperature swings, recent snowfall, and pressure changes. If it makes you nervous, trust your gut.

3. Bring the Right Gear

A few small tools can mean the difference between life and death:

• Ice picks – Helps you claw your way out if you fall in.

• Whistle – Makes it easier to call for help.

• Rope – Can pull someone out without putting yourself at risk.

• Flotation device – A simple life vest can keep your head above water if things go south.

4. Watch the Weather

Warm days, rain, sudden cold snaps—they all mess with ice. If the surface looks wet, cracked, or slushy, stay off it. Ice that was safe yesterday might not be safe today.

What If You Fall Through the Ice?

If you’ve taken the right precautions, this shouldn’t happen—but knowing what to do before you’re in freezing water can mean the difference between life and death.

1. Stay Calm and Breathe

Your first instinct will be to panic. Don’t. The sudden shock of icy water triggers an automatic gasp reflex, which can make you inhale water. Instead:

• Take a deep breath.

• Focus on staying afloat.

• Control your breathing—short, fast breaths will only burn energy and make it harder to think clearly.

2. Face the Hole and Stay Horizontal

The ice was strong enough to hold you right before you fell. That’s your best way out.

• Turn back toward the direction you came from.

• Keep your arms spread out over the ice to prevent slipping under.

• Stay horizontal—your goal is to pull yourself out, not push down on the ice.

3. Kick and Pull Yourself Out

Getting out is about technique, not strength.

• If you have an ice pick, jam it into the surface and use them to pull yourself forward.

• If you don’t, use your elbows to dig in as you kick your legs—think of it like getting out of a pool.

• Move one arm, then the other, pulling yourself up onto the ice.

4. Roll Away—Don’t Stand Up

The biggest mistake? Standing up too soon. The ice is still weak.

• Roll away from the hole to spread your weight.

• Keep rolling until you’re at least 10 to 15 feet away from where you broke through.

• Once you're confident the ice is thicker, crawl, then carefully get back on your feet.

5. Get Warm—Fast

Once you get out, hypothermia is your next biggest threat. Cold water rapidly drains body heat, and wet clothes make it worse.

• Get inside immediately—a car, cabin, anything out of the wind.

• Strip off wet clothing and replace it with dry layers.

• Sip warm fluids (not alcohol—it’ll make hypothermia worse).

• Seek medical help if you can’t stop shivering, feel confused, or have trouble moving.

Final Thought: Respect the Ice

Don't let falling through the ice ruin a fun day. Don’t guess. Check conditions, bring the right gear, and never assume ice is safe just because someone else is on it.

Nature doesn’t care how experienced you are. Be smart, be prepared, and make it home safe.

The Black Jack Fire Protection District urges all residents in the District to stay vigilant when it comes to ice safety and to use these precautions to make sure your day on the ice remains a fun one.