| Group Detroit U.S. Coast Guard |
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| Press Release |
Date: January 13, 2004 Contact: Lt. Jessica Fant |
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Coast Guard warns ‘NO ICE IS SAFE ICE’ DETROIT – The U.S. Coast Guard is advising that warm weather conditions and shifting winds have made local ice conditions extremely unstable and hazardous. This morning, the Coast Guard has received five reports of ice floes breaking apart with people on them.
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, rope, whistle, flashlight, compass and flares. 2. Dress in layers and bright colors. Wear a personal flotation device, life jacket or float -- 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”, or even screwdrivers, and have them attached to your body. They may be used as spikes to pull yourself onto 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 and listen to the day’s forecast. Be aware of the temperature and wind direction for a few days before you venture out. Strong winds in any direction can break up the ice. 7. Do not go fishing or venture onto the ice alone. If you do, stay in sight 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; it causes a heavier load upon a smaller area. 10. Clear ice is stronger than cloudy ice. The Coast Guard would like to remind the public “no ice is safe ice”. For questions or reports of search and rescue or ice rescue you can contact the U.S. Coast Guard Operations Center 24-hours a day at 313-568-9524.
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