“No Ice is Safe Ice.” That’s the advice I received from a veteran ice angler many years ago. I think of that every time I consider stepping onto the frozen surface of any body of water.
Recent temperature dips have drawn many people onto Lake Mendota and other local lakes, perhaps with the belief that the ice is now ‘safe’. But in the last 2 weeks alone, UW and Madison’s emergency services have responded to numerous incidents of people falling through the ice. Thankfully, all were successfully rescued.
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 less safe 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.
For more ice safety tips, review the DNR’s Know Before You Go ice safety brochure.
Jeff Kirchman
University Apartments Community Police Officer
608-264-2677 | jkirchman@wisc.edu
University Apartments Community Center, Room 131