During the cold, winter months in Maine, many people hit the ice for ice fishing, pond hockey and other popular winter sports.

Before enjoying the ice, safety should always be practiced. Here are some key winter guidelines to follow.

Before even leaving your home, taking time to research ice conditions at your destination is highly encouraged. Reach out to local fishing clubs, bait shops and outfitters that regularly monitor ice conditions. 

Be sure to let someone know of your plans before heading out. Informing someone can help in an emergency and increase your chances of being rescued if anything goes wrong.

Once you arrive, it’s time to check the color and thickness of the ice. Knowing the color of the ice can be a great indicator, though still not a guarantee of “safe” ice.    

• Light gray to dark black: STAY OFF. This ice is not safe and cannot hold weight.  
• White to opaque: This is water-saturated snow that froze on top of the ice, which forms another thin layer. It can be patchy and thin.  
• Blue to clear: High density, very strong and safest ice to be on if thick enough. You should still stay off if under four inches.  
• Mottled or slushy: The color is not as important as the texture. It may be thick on top but can be thin underneath. Look for mud, debris and plant matter surfacing from the bottom. 

Regardless of the color, you should always check the strength of the ice. You can do this with a chisel, axe or another tool to determine that the ice is at least 4-6 inches thick. To do that, start at the edge and check continuously as you move away from shore. If the shoreline is cracked and appears weak, stay off.

When possible, stick to small, sheltered bodies of water. Inlets, outlets, currents, bridges or culverts should be avoided. Moving water can lead to unstable ice.

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife does not recommend driving passenger cars or trucks on the ice. If you must drive, be prepared to exit your vehicle quickly.

Even a smaller vehicle, like a snowmobile or ATV, can be dangerous on the ice. If driving, maintain a low speed to ensure you can see and stop if needed for hazards such as open water.

If you fall in the ice, remain calm. If you can, call for help as you attempt to get out. An item like a rope or anything like one can pull you out. 

If you spot someone who has fallen in, resist the urge to run up to the edge of the hole. Toss the rope from afar and have the person tie it around themself before they are too weak to do so. 

With a vehicle falling through, the best escape hatches are the side windows since the doors may be held shut by water pressure. If the windows are blocked, try to push the windshield or rear window out with any object available.

In the case you were to break through the ice, bring a pair of ice safety picks. These can help you pull yourself out of the water.

If planning a day on the ice in Maine, dress appropriately with clothing to protect your head and neck. Much of your body heat is lost through your face and neck! 
 
Remember to let someone know of your plans and try to always have someone with you. A good plan can help keep you safe!

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