This pond in Bargersville looks frozen to the untrained eye, but experts warn ice in Central Indiana is never really solid.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is reminding Hoosiers to stay safe on frozen waterways this winter.
Every winter, thousands of Hoosiers safely enjoy fishing, skating, hiking, or just sliding around on frozen ponds and lakes. But people also drown after falling through ice every year, according to a DNR news release.
Conservation officers remind Hoosiers to be careful as they do activities such as ice fishing, ice skating or snowmobiling. They should remember to put safety first, and take caution when going on frozen lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and retention ponds, the news release says.
Hoosiers should also watch for others who may venture out on frozen waterways and find themselves in trouble.
They also have tips to remember when considering standing on or walking on a frozen body of water:
- Assume no ice is safe ice.
- Test the thickness of the ice with an ice auger. At least 4 inches is recommended for ice fishing; 5 inches is recommended for snowmobiling.
- If you don’t know the thickness of the ice, don’t go on it.
- Wear a life jacket or flotation coat.
- Carry ice picks and rope gear.
- Before going on the ice, leave a note of your whereabouts with a friend or family member.
- Don’t test the thickness of the ice while alone.
Officials say Hoosiers should also remember that a new coating of snow can make for treacherous ice conditions. Snow can serve as insulation, causing water to freeze at a slower rate. When snow and rain freeze into ice, it is not as strong as solid, clear ice.
Another potentially dangerous situation is when you see a pet or other animal in distress on the ice. If that happens, do not go after it. Instead, contact local emergency response personnel, who are equipped to make a rescue, the news release says.
Other tips from DNR about frozen waterways:
- Some bodies of water can appear to be frozen solid but still have thin ice in several unexpected areas.
- Avoid flowing water, such as rivers and streams, when covered by a layer of ice.
- Water surrounded by sand may freeze with inconsistencies in the thickness of the ice.
- Underground springs, wind, waterfowl and other animals can also keep areas of ice thin.
