The US Coast Guard is calling ice fishermen and the public to be very careful and be prepared while on Lake Champlain. Ice can be very dangerous, making people or heavy objects susceptible to falling through.
Ice is unpredictable, as even in a small area it can vary in thickness making people or heavy objects susceptible to falling through. In case this happens, every minute will count. For this reason, preparation may be crucial and be the difference between life and death.
In order to help ice fishermen, the USCG Guard offers these cold water and ice safety tips:
- Remember the acronym ICE, which stands for Information, Clothing and Equipment;
- Information: Plan ahead! Know the weather and ice conditions. Let a family member or friend know where you will be and when you plan to return home;
- Clothing: Dress for the water temperature, even if you plan to stay on the ice;
- Equipment: Carry safety gear; life jacket, light and whistle are essential;
- Always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket, and dress for the lake temperature. A life jacket allows a person to float with minimum energy expenditure and allows the person to assume the Heat Escape Lessening Position by bringing the knees close to the chest and holding them in place by wrapping the arms around the shin portions of the legs;
- Never venture out alone. Use the buddy system;
- Carry a registered personal locator beacon in addition to a marine radio to alert the Coast Guard and local safety agencies of potential distress. Consider a waterproof hand-held model that can be worn;
- Carry all required and recommended safety gear, such as visual distress signals and a sound-producing device. Carry your visual distress signal and whistle in the pocket of your life vest so they’re close at hand in an emergency.
