Safely on the Ice
Moving on ice can be a great experience provided that safety comes first. To move safely on ice, you must know the ice, understand the risks associated with moving on ice and be properly equipped. Your companion is your best piece of safety equipment. You companion can always call for help even if they did not know how to rescue you in an emergency.
The strength of ice is always measured on the basis of crackless black ice:
- Black ice cover must be at least 10 cm thick to carry the weight of an adult.
- A snowmobile and an ATV require an ice cover of at least 15 centimetres.
- Cars should keep to marked ice roads.
Snow, wind, flowing water and sun weaken the ice cover, and the following locations can be particularly dangerous:
- flowing water with ice cover
- places where grass and reed grow
- places close to jetties, sewers and bridges
- places with rocks and snow-covered cracks.
How to safely cross a location with flowing water on skis?
There is no foolproof method for crossing an ice-covered spot of flowing water. The best way to avoid danger is to plan your route so that you do not need to cross such places. If you do not have any choice and there is no bridge nearby, do as follows:
- Check the map for a wading point or try to find another shallow spot in the river.
- Take a long stick or a similar object that you can use to check what lies under the snow ahead of you.
- Take the rucksack off your back and unfasten the sled harness before entering the ice.
How to move safely on ice
General instructions
- Check the ice conditions before departure: Make sure that the ice cover is thick enough. If you are on foot, the ice should be at least 5–10 cm thick.
- Make sure to have the following equipment with you: ice picks, throw rope, life jackets and a mobile phone (in a waterproof bag) floating rucksack.
- Always have a companion: Never move on the ice on your own. Remember to notify somebody in advance of you route and your estimated return time. Never move on the ice without a companion.
Before departure
- Make sure to dress properly: Dress in layers, and wear waterproof clothing and warm shoes.
- Check the weather: Strength of the ice also depends on wind, amount of rain and temperatures.
- Remember that the freezing of a waterway may take several days and the ice cover may not be even.
When on ice
- Do not rush: Do not make any sudden moves or jump on the ice. Listen if you can hear any sounds of cracking ice.
- Keep your distance to others: Do not come too close to other people to avoid excessing loading of ice.
- Avoid spots with thin ice cover: Places close to flowing water, bridges and dredging areas can be particularly dangerous.
If the ice gives way
- Do not panic: Stay calm and try to float on the water.
- Use the ice picks: Pull yourself back on the ice using the ice picks. Make sure to spread you weight over a wide area.
- Call for help: Use the mobile phone or shout if you cannot pull yourself back on the ice.
When on dry land
- Warm up: As soon as you are safe, leave the ice-covered area and change wet clothes to dry ones.
- Get to a warm place: Stay indoors, drink something warm and wrap yourself in blankets.
Source: Finnish Swimming Teaching and Lifesaving Federation (FSL) (suh.fi)
