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Even if you’ve thoroughly checked the ice to ensure a safe ice fishing trip, danger can still strike at any time. That’s why it’s important to be prepared, bring safety equipment and know what to do in an emergency.

Thoroughly check the ice. Before you go out on a frozen body of water thoroughly check the ice to ensure it is safe. You can tell the strength and safety of ice by its appearance, thickness and other factors. Clear or blue ice that is at least 4 inches thick is required to safely go ice fishing. Check out my guide on how to determine if the ice is safe enough to go ice fishing to learn how to weigh all the factors that contribute to the integrity of ice on a body of water.

Speak to a local source on the quality of ice on local bodies of water. Ice varies from one body of water to the next. Local bait shops and fishing guides can offer insight to the conditions where you plan to go ice fishing.

Tell someone where you are going. Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back. If something does happen, relaying your plan to a responsible adult can help save your life.

Spread out. When you are with a group, avoid walking in a single file line and spread out when you are fishing to avoid putting too much pressure on one spot and to more evenly distribute weight.

Don’t go alone. It’s safer to go with a group or partner rather than alone. If something happens or there is an emergency, someone can call for help and take further life-saving action.

Dress in layers. When going out in freezing temperatures, it’s a good idea to dress in layers. Your base layer should consist of a moisture-wicking layer that wicks sweat away from your body and traps warmth. Your middle layer should consist of fleece or wool clothing. Your outer layer should be insulated and wind and waterproof. Always make sure your head and hands are covered. Wear two layers of socks — moisture-wicking thin polyester socks underneath wool socks. Wear insulated waterproof boots. Always cover your head, neck and your hands. Avoid wearing cotton.

Always bring safety equipment. Always bring a safety kit and personal safety equipment when you go ice fishing. Ice fishing safety equipment includes the following:

If you fall through the ice: 

If someone you’re with falls through the ice:

Hypothermia is a life-threatening drop in the body’s core temperature.

Water pulls heat from the body 25 times faster than air. Once someone that’s fallen through the ice is out of water, they need to seek shelter, heat, dry clothing and warm non-alcoholic, caffeine-free drinks immediately. Alcohol should never be given as a means to warm up because alcohol dilates blood vessels allowing cold blood from the extremities to move toward the heart. The trunk area of the body should be warmed first in those with acute hypothermia. Just covering someone suffering from acute hypothermia with a blanket will not generate heat, as the trunk area will have to be actively heated. As the trunk warms up, the limbs can start being warmed also.

If symptoms don’t seem to be resolving or continue to worsen, seek medical attention immediately.

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