COAST GUARD WARNS LOCALS THAT AN ICEBREAKER WILL BE INBOUND THE SAGINAW BAY/RIVER TO BREAK OUT THE EXISTING ICE FOR COMMERCIAL SHIPPING

Group Detroit
U.S. Coast Guard

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Press Release

Date: March 24, 2005

Contact:
(313)568-9524

COAST GUARD WARNS LOCALS THAT AN ICEBREAKER WILL BE INBOUND THE SAGINAW BAY/RIVER TO BREAK OUT THE EXISTING ICE FOR COMMERCIAL SHIPPING

SAGINAW/ BAY CITY - Coast Guard Group/MSO Detroit is advising Bay Area residents that an icebreaker wil be inbound the Saginaw Bay/River to break out he existing ice in anticipation of commercial shipping transits. Arrival could be anytime from Saturday, 26 March 2005 through 28 March 2005. Ice in this area should be considered unsafe and the Coast Guard advises everyone to stay clear.

Proper precautions should always be taken before heading out on the water or the ice. When venturing out, a person should think ICE as a precaution:

Intelligence – know the weather and ice conditions, know where you are going, and know how to call for help. Never go out alone.

Clothing – have the proper clothing to prevent hypothermia. Wear a waterproof exposure suit and a life preserver.

Equipment – have the proper equipment. Carry two ice picks or screwdrivers, in case you fall in. Use these items to dig into the ice and pull yourself out. They are more effective than bare hands! Carry a whistle or noise maker to alert people that you are in distress. Carry a cellular phone or marine band radio in a waterproof container so that you can call for help if you come across trouble.

Hypothermia becomes the greatest danger after falling through the ice. Hypothermia begins to set in quickly as the person’s body core temperature drops below 95 degrees.

These tips may help increase a person’s chance for survival, should they fall thought the ice:

Devote all of your efforts to getting out of the water. Act quickly before you loose full use of your hands.
Don’t take off your clothes. Instead, button, buckle, zip and tighten collars, cuffs, shoes and hoods. If possible, cover your head – in cold water about half of heat loss comes from the head.
Don’t try to swim, unless it is to a nearby boat or object you can climb on top of. By releasing the warmer water between your clothing, and your body sending “warm” blood to your extremities, swimming can cut your survival time by as much as 50 percent.
Even if it’s painful, remain as still as possible. Intense shivering and severe pain in cold water are natural body reflexes. These will not kill you, but heat loss will.

U.S. Coast Guard Group/MSO Detroit would like to remind the public that "ice is a clear, solid risk". Please heed the above safety precautions. For questions or reports of search and rescue you can contact the U.S. Coast Guard Station Saginaw River at (989) 892-0556 or the U.S. Coast Guard Group/MSO Detroit Command Center at 313-568-9524.

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