Walking on ice is dangerous. How to avoid tragedy?

Do not step on the ice! – appeal the Wody Polskie in a new campaign aimed at reducing the risk of winter accidents. Frozen rivers, ponds, and lakes attract not only skaters but also walkers and adrenaline-seeking daredevils. Walking on ice can end in tragedy, and few people know how to behave properly if the ice breaks.

Not as thick as it seems

Wody Polskie inform that the safe ice thickness capable of supporting a single person is at least 10 cm. The situation changes, however, when more people step onto the surface – the distribution of pressure and its effects are very difficult to predict.

Additionally, the fact that the ice cover is thick enough in one spot does not mean it is the same across the entire surface. On the contrary – both the thickness and strength of ice are variable values that depend primarily on water currents beneath the surface, including the force of the flow and the presence of inlets, outlets, or springs. The stability of the ice cover is also affected by the depth of the water body at a given spot, the amount of accumulated snow, exposure to sunlight and shade, and even gusts of wind.

The safest is the so-called black ice, resembling transparent glass. White ice, mixed with snow, is weaker, uneven, and the least predictable, especially after periods of partial thaw.

What to do if the ice breaks?

Wody Polskie strongly advise against walking on ice. Anyone who ignores this rational rule should at least know how to behave if the worst-case scenario occurs.

First of all, the first signs of cracking or creaking should prompt an immediate but calm retreat toward the shore. Other people on the ice should be informed of the danger without delay.

If the ice breaks, a person falls into cold water and experiences a thermal shock, which can be paralyzing. In this situation, it is crucial to stay calm, try to control breathing, and call for help. At the same time, everything should be done to stay on the surface, spreading the arms wide and holding onto the edge of the hole.

Before help arrives, one should try to get out onto the ice independently using a crawling motion, supported by frog-like kicks of the legs. If successful, the person should remain lying down and crawl back toward the direction from which they came. After reaching the shore, the most important steps are calling for help, removing wet clothing, and drying off in warmth – if possible.

Witnesses of such an event should not step onto the ice or attempt a rescue on their own. The priority is to call for help by phone (112). If circumstances allow, a floating object can be offered to the person in the water to help them get out and crawl onto the ice.

Walking on ice is irresponsible

The water under the ice usually has a temperature of 0 to 4°C – in such conditions, a person can easily lose consciousness due to hypothermia after 10 minutes. In addition to chilling, there is also the risk of inhaling water or being trapped under the frozen surface. Walking on ice can result in death.

Importantly, this risk is not limited to one person. Entering frozen water bodies can encourage others to imitate, including children who may be unaware of the consequences. If the ice breaks, the danger extends to witnesses trying to help as well as rescuers.

Skating and hockey enthusiasts should pursue their passions on ice rinks. Walkers are advised not to step on the ice under any circumstances – nature can always surprise.

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source: based on material by Wody Polskie