By Sandy Quadros Bowles

Editor

An icy pond can be a temptation too appealing for skaters, ice fishing fans and other outdoor enthusiasts to pass up.

But use caution.

Ice conditions can be difficult to determine, experts warn. Appearance alone can be deceiving other factors matter, including water depth, the size of the water body, water currents, snow cover and the age of the ice.

Members of the Natick Fire Department recently practiced ice rescue training and shared a reminder that no patch of ice is 100 percent safe.

Although the department does not offer recommendations about ice safety, here are some tips from Mass Wildlife, 

New ice is stronger than old ice. Four inches of clear, newly formed ice may support one person on foot, while a foot or more of old, partially thawed ice may not.

Ice doesn’t freeze uniformly. Continue to check ice conditions frequently as you venture out onto the ice.

Ice formed over flowing water and currents is often more dangerous. Avoid traveling onto ice-bound rivers and streams, as the currents make ice thickness unpredictable. Many lakes and ponds may contain spring holes and other areas of currents that can create deceptively dangerous thin spots.

When planning a trip on the ice, tell someone your plans, including where you are going and when you expect to return.

Come prepared. Carry a cell phone. Always carry ice picks and rope with you on the ice. In case of an emergency, drive the nails into the ice and pull yourself to safety while kicking.

Wear a life jacket. In case of a fall, a life jacket will keep you at the surface and can provide insulation against the effects of cold water.

If you fall in:

Don’t panic: Call for help if there are people nearby.

Don’t remove winter clothing: Air trapped in your clothes can provide warmth and help you float.

Turn the direction you came from: Ice you previously walked on should be the safest.

Place your hands and arms on an unbroken surface and kick your legs: If you have ice picks or a pair of nails, use them to pull yourself up onto the ice while kicking.

Lie flat and roll away: Once your torso is on firm ice, roll toward thicker ice to distribute your weight.

Find shelter and get warm: Change out of wet clothing and find warm, dry coverings. If you are in a remote area, get to or start a campfire. Otherwise, get to a car or house. Seek medical advice from your physician on medical attention.

If someone else falls in:

Remember the phrase “Preach-Reach-Throw-Go.”

Preach: Call 911 if you can. Shout to the victim to reassure them help is on the way.

Reach: If you can safely reach them from shore, extend an object like a rope, jumper cables, tree branch, or ladder to them.

Throw: Toss one end of a rope or something that will float to the victim.

Go: If the situation is too dangerous for you to perform a rescue, call 911 or go to find help. Untrained rescuers can become victims themselves.

If a pet falls in:

Do not attempt to rescue the pet, go find help. Pet owners can easily become victims themselves when trying to assist their pets. 

Remember to always keep pets leashed while walking on or near ice.