(Chelsea Update would like to thank the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office for the information in this story.)
The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office has issued the following rules for ice safety.
- Look for obvious signs of poor ice conditions
- Open water
- Large open cracks
- Ice that looks different from one area to another
- Be familiar with the lake or river
- Know where the inlets or outlets are
- Know where the natural springs are
- Look for areas where water is moving, it can dramatically affect the strength of the ice
- Tell someone else where you are going and when you expect to be back
- Wear a personal flotation device to keep you at the surface in case you fall through the ice
- Carry ice awls to help aid in climbing out if you fall through the ice
- Carry a whistle to use as a distress signal in the event you are unable to get back onto the ice
- Always remember that the strength of the ice is as dependent on the quality of the ice as it is on the thickness of the ice
- If there is any doubt about the quality, strength or condition of the ice just stay off
