'You're Always On Thin Ice': Warning From Indiana DNR Officers

ACROSS INDIANA — Indiana Conservation Officers are advising everyone across the state of the potential hazards of going on frozen lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams during winter, especially as recent temperature drops have created sheets of ice across some bodies of water. According to a release sent to Patch, Indiana Conservation Officers ask everyone to keep a watchful eye on neighborhood retention ponds, lakes and other waterways for those who may head out and in turn find themselves in trouble.

While thousands of Hoosiers safely enjoy ice skating, fishing, hiking, or just being out on frozen ponds and lakes every winter, officers said people also drown every year after falling through ice.

"Just like re-learning how to drive on snow versus clear roads, some Hoosiers need to re-learn how to safely have fun on ice," DNR officials said in a release.

DNR officers also note the coating of snow that Indiana just received can make for treacherous ice conditions, as the snow can insulate the ice, causing it to freeze at a slower rate. When the snow and rain that just fell across Indiana freeze into ice, it is never as strong as solid, clear ice, officers said, in a release.

>>Win Four Tickets To Children's Museum Of Indianapolis? Here's How

Indiana Conservation Officers want citizens to put safety first and have provided these tips to remember when considering standing on or walking on a frozen lake or pond:

• No ice is safe ice. (When walking on ice, to believe you are “walking on thin ice”).
• Test the thickness of the ice with an ice auger. At least 4 inches of ice is recommended for ice fishing; 5 inches is recommended for snowmobiling.
• If you don’t know….don’t go.
• Wear life jackets or flotation coats. (If you fall through, a life jacket will keep your head above the water until help arrives.)
• Carry ice hooks and rope gear.
• When on the ice, leave a note with a friend or family member of your whereabouts.
• Don’t test the thickness of the ice while alone.

In addition, DNR officers advise those who see a pet or other animal in distress on the ice, please do not go after it. This can often end in tragedy. Contact your local emergency response personnel, who are equipped to make a rescue on thin ice.

“Ice is beginning to form on smaller bodies of water. We would like to ask that the community keep a close eye out for children in your area who may play on the ice," Indiana Conservation Officer Max Winchell said, in a release. "It takes extreme low temperatures and quite some time to form several inches of ice. We have not had those conditions consistently statewide this winter.”

Some bodies of water will appear to be frozen solid but actually can have thin ice in several unsuspecting areas, including rivers, streams and other flowing waterways, according to DNR officers, who also add that waterways surrounded by sand may freeze with inconsistencies in the thickness of the ice.

More: in.gov/dnr/

Image via Shutterstock