Dress Appropriately

• Wear layers

• Protect head, face & neck

• Wear boots with good rating

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Check the Ice Thickness

• Before you go out onto the ice, go out a few feet and drill a check hole to read the thickness.

• Remember these guidelines:

• 4” of ice, okay to walk on

• 8-12” of ice, drive a small car or ATV

• 12-15” of ice, drive a small truck

Be aware of surroundings

• What is the ice color?

  • Clear ice is the safest. 

  • Cloudy, it means it’s mixed with snow and is less sturdy.

  • Gray ice means there’s water mixed into the ice. Avoid gray ice.

• What do you hear?

  • Move away from cracking or heaving ice.

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Set a Plan and Tell Someone 

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• Tell a friend, family member or fish guide where your plan. 

• Set a solid plan in place.Decide on a time to leave and what time you plan to be back. And ask them to check on you if they haven’t heard from you by then.

• Take someone with you

 Rescue & Safety Gear

You never know when you might have to stay out on the ice overnight. Here are some items you should have with you:

• Lifejacket or float suit

• Rope to tow a stuck vehicle or pull someone out of the water

• Flares in case of emergency

• Utility knife or multitool

• Camping first aid kit

• Fire starting tool

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Pack snacks and water

Staying hydrated and eating healthy snacks will help you stay warm and sustain energy.