Coast Guard urges caution around ice on Great Lakes as temperatures rise

Crack in ice (WDIV)

The U.S. Coast Guard is encouraging people to exercise caution in the coming days around ice on the lakes and waterways in the Great Lakes region. 

Rising temperatures and scattered showers over the next several days can pose significant risks to ice-related activities as the ice weakens and can appear to be more stable than it is.

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People are reminded to always wear and use the proper safety equipment and have a means of communication with them at all times. Please inform family and friends of your plans before you go out and let people know when you expect to be back.

To aid in remembering what to take into consideration this coming ice season, the following acronym can be helpful:

  • I – Information: check the weather and ice conditions, know where you are going, and know how to call for help.
  • C- Clothing: wear the proper anti-exposure clothes with multiple layers. If possible, wear a dry suit to prevent hypothermia, which can occur within minutes after falling through the ice.
  • E – Equipment: have the proper equipment before venturing out onto ice such as a marine band radio, a Personal Locator Beacon, life jackets and screw drivers or ice picks which can help you pull yourself out of the water if you fall through the ice.