DETROIT –As cold weather persists, the onset of ice conditions on Lakes Huron, St Clair and Erie is imminent.   The only absolute in ice safety is to stay off the ice.  Recognizing that ice recreational activities are a part of Great Lakes heritage, the U.S. Coast Guard recommends that people going on the ice consider the following measurements as the minimum thicknesses required to support a person or vehicle:

• One person -2” of ice
• Two people – 4” of ice
• A snowmobile – 5” of ice
• A car 8” of ice
• A light truck 12” of ice

If you choose to venture onto the ice-covered lakes or rivers, consider the following Safety Tips:

1.       Ensure you pack a VHF-FM radio, rope, whistle, flashlight, compass and flares.

2.       Dress in layers and bright colors. Wear a personal flotation device, life jacket or float coat; however, a Mustang suit is the best.

3.       Ensure you notify family or relatives of where you will launch, your destination, who is with you, when you will return and your cell phone number if you have one.

4.       Take some type of “ice awls” and have them attached to your body. They are used as spikes to pull yourself up on the ice if you break through.

5.       Know what you are standing on. Test and be aware of the ice conditions and thickness. You never know when you are standing on a soft spot.

6.       Be weather wise. Be aware of the temperature, wind direction for a few days before you venture out, as well as the day’s forecast. Strong winds in any direction breaks up the ice. Beware of “green” ice.

7.       Do not go on the ice alone. If you do, stay in the area of other people.

8.       Do not cross a pressure crack or open water, you could end up on an ice floe.

9.       Avoid walking side by side; you increase your weight in a small area.

10.   Clear ice is stronger than cloudy ice.

11.   Use the buddy system. Never go out alone.

The public can contact the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Detroit Operations Center 24-hours a day at 313-568-9524 or on VHF-FM Channel 16 to make reports of persons in distress in the water or ice.

The Coast Guard is the lead agency for maritime search and rescue. To better respond to the unique conditions associated with ice rescue, the following Coast Guard Stations are designated as ice rescue stations:
·        Tawas, MI
·        Saginaw, MI
·        Harbor Beach, MI
·        St Clair Shores, MI
·        Belle Isle, MI
·        Toledo, OH
·        Marblehead, OH

In addition, the Coast Guard has procured specialized Ice Rescue Boats and stationed them at Stations Saginaw River, St Clair Shores, Belle Isle and Marblehead. All seven stations possess specialized ice rescue equipment and personal protective gear for crews.  Media interested in viewing ice rescue equipment, boats or ice rescue demonstrations should contact the Sector Detroit Public Affairs Officer at 313-569-9615.