Ice safety tips

With more visitors and first-generation Alaskans looking into ice fishing for the first time, especially in fast-changing weather like the recent rain followed by colder weather, it can be easy for people to get in unsafe situations.

Many of those situations have caused ice fishermen Butch and Jehnifer Ehmann of Ehmann Outdoors to add the following to a list of what not to do when ice fishing:

• Do not drive on a lake you have not personally tested — if you drive to the middle a lake, get out of the car and stomp on the ice, it better not be because you haven’t tested it yet

• Do not drive up to a person standing or sitting on the lake, especially if you haven’t tested it yet — the spot where they’re camped may not support the added weight of a vehicle, and even if it can, the pedestrian may feel uncomfortable taking the risk

• Do not use the daily weather as a primary indicator of whether it is safe to fish or be out on the ice — while it may be below freezing the day you head to the lake, if it hasn’t been below freezing for long, the ice might not be very thick. By contrast, while warmer temperatures may melt enough of the ice for a layer of water to form on the surface, there could be 3-feet of quite-solid ice underneath

• Don’t be alarmed by every pop and crack in the ice — some popping is natural, and occurs as a result of pressure changes in the water and atmosphere

On the other hand

• Do be conscious of your and your companions’ comfort levels — if the cracking makes you nervous or stressed, consider packing up for the day. You might be distracted and forget other safety measures, and you probably won’t have very much fun

• Do be prepared — cold and wet weather gear is a must, as well as having extras of emergency supplies and anything you’re relying on to be safe and have a good time

• Do take someone with you, establish return and contact times and discuss what to do if anyone diverges from the plan

• Do keep an eye on the weather forecast — sudden changes may affect preparedness levels and enjoyment thresholds