Survival Tips If You Fall Through The Ice

by Hennepin County Rich Stanek

What would you do to survive a fall through the ice into frigid water? Keep your arms above water but do not wave them in a panic. Keep your clothes and boots on. Try to make it out by kicking hard in the water and pulling yourself up onto the ice. A recent ABC News report provides excellent information on this topic. 
If you are venturing out on the ice, take precautions:

1. If your child is on or near the ice, you should be near your child.
2. Wear a life jacket while you are on the ice.  Hennepin County Sheriff's Office deputies wear life jackets while they are on the ice -- whether they are walking, on a snowmobile, ATV, or other vehicle.
3. If your dog walks onto thin ice, do not put your safety in jeapordy by chasing after it.
4. Remember that NO ice is ever completely safe.