Mich. Fire Marshal Explains How to Survive Falling Through Ice

Detroit Free Press

March 04—As metro Detroit begins to see stints of spring-like weather, authorities have a message: Stay off the ice.

"Thawing ice conditions on Michigan's lakes, rivers and ponds are dangerous and will become unpredictable as temperatures rise," said State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer in a written statement. "Late winter ice many times leads to dangerous situations that could end in tragedy."

A 58-year-old woman died and a 63-year-old man was injured in Butman Township, when the all-terrain vehicle they were riding broke through the ice on Lake Lancer and was submerged a couple weeks ago, according to an Associated Press report.

The man was driving the ATV and was identified as David McCloe, who freed himself from the vehicle and called for help in the water until a passerby pulled him out, while the woman, identified as Monica Johnson, died at the scene, according to the AP.

If the worst happens, experts say, it's critical to know what to do.

According to a release, University of Manitoba professor Gordon Giesbrecht said the key is the 1-10-1 principle.

"In the first minute, get control of your breathing. The next 10 minutes is your window of meaningful movement to escape. You will have up to one hour to escape or be rescued before you become unconscious," a release said.

• Take that first minute in the water to slow your breathing.
• Determine where the ice is the thickest.
• Turn and face the way you came from.
• Stretch your arms atop the ice surface.
• Flutter-kick your feet until your body is horizontal.
• Kick harder, while using your hands and arms to pull yourself onto the ice.
• Roll away from the hole, then crawl until you can safely stand.

According to a release, Sehlmeyer said you simply cannot judge ice thickness and safety, especially in late winter and early spring, so watch out for thin ice conditions that can hide cracks and weak spots.

People are asked to keep an eye out for warning signs that ice may be weak, like slushy ice, any ice with water on it and snow-covered ice. Ice that has thawed and re-frozen is also weaker and will appear milky, a release said.

"If you do see an emergency on the ice or near bodies of water, always call 911 first. First responders are trained and equipped for ice and water rescues, including the rescue of pets," Sehlmeyer said. "We want to remind the public how dangerous thawing bodies of water can be as ice melts."

Contact reporter at ASiacon@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter: @AleannaSiacon.