| Sector Detroit U.S. Coast Guard |
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| Press Release |
Date: February 26, 2007
Contact: LCDR Paul Fawcett |
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COAST GUARDWARNS THAT RECENT WARMING TREND HAS MADE ICE UNSTABLE DETROIT - U.S. Coast Guard Sector Detroit is advising that due to the recent warm weather conditions and shifting winds, local ice conditions on Lake Huron, St Clair and Erie have become extremely unstable and hazardous. During the Feb 24-25 weekend Coast Guard Sector Detroit received 4 reports of persons falling through the ice, or being stranded on ice floes breaking away. While several persons were rescued by the Coast Guard, one person perished as a result of falling through the ice. If you choose to venture onto the ice-covered lakes or rivers, please consider the following Safety Tips:
1. Ensure you pack a VHF-FM radio, cell phone, rope, whistle, flashlight, compass and red 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 the previous 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 with other persons, you increase your weight in a small area. 10. Clear ice is stronger than cloudy ice. U.S. Coast Guard Sector Detroit would like to remind the public that danger may arise at any time while on the ice. Please heed the above safety precautions. To report a person in distress or the need for search and rescue or ice rescue you can contact the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Detroit Operations Center 24-hours a day at 313-568-9524.
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