| Group Detroit U.S. Coast Guard |
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| Press Release |
Date: 17 Feb 2004 Contact: (313) 568-9520 |
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COAST GUARD WARNS BAY AREA RESIDENTS OF UNSAFE ICE DETROIT – U.S. Coast Guard Group Detroit is advising Bay Area residents that the USCGC HOLLYHOCK was in the vicinity of Point Lookout and Charity Island conducting ice operations. Ice in this area is considered to be unsafe and the Coast Guard advises residents to stay clear of the area. As a reminder when venturing out on the ice, 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 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. U.S. Coast Guard Group Detroit would like to remind the public “no ice is safe ice”. Please heed the above safety precautions and for a questions or reports of search and rescue or ice rescue you can contact the U.S. Coast Guard Group Detroit Operations Center 24-hours a day at 313-568-9524. ####
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