Indiana DNR Warn Of Dangers Of Frozen Bodies Of Water: No Ice Is Safe Ice

If you are think about bundling up to go play on a frozen body of water, read this first. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is reminding residents that "no ice is safe ice." The DNR encourages parents to remind their children of the dangers of playing on or near ice, especially without supervision.

People drown every year by falling through ice and as the temperatures in the state have dropped to well below freezing, bodies of water like lakes, streams and ponds - even the Ohio River - can start to ice over. That icing brings with it the thrill and excitement of recreational activities but they can be incredibly dangerous.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources say that while activities like "ice fishing, skating, hiking, or just sliding around for fun" can seem like a fun or exciting time, they really can be deadly. In fact, they say that "no ice is safe ice."

Remember that no ice is safe ice. If you don’t know the thickness of the ice, don’t go on it. Measure the thickness of ice using an ice auger. Solid ice should measure 4 inches or more for walking. Avoid going out on the ice alone, wear a life jacket, and carry ice hooks with you. Teach your children safety tips before allowing them to play on frozen lakes and streams.

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The Indiana DNR even details just how thick the ice needs to be for various activities. Did you know that anything less than 4 inches of ice that is "clear like you get out of your freezer" just isn't thick enough?

One inch of ice Stay Off!!!
Four inches of ice Needed for safe ice fishing
Five inches of ice Needed for snowmobiling
Eight inches of ice Needed to support the weight of a car or light truck
Ten inches of ice Needed to support a medium weight truck