As temperatures begin to warm up over the next few days, and before the next possible winter storm, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources wants to remind those who have enjoyed ice skating and ice fishing that there is no such thing as 100% safe ice.

The ODNR shared a picture of several ice fishing shanties located on Mosquito Lakes State Park. The picture was taken over the weekend, but soon ice conditions may change. Natural Resource Officer Payton Phenicie says one sign of changing ice can be its clarity.

"The biggest thing to look for is clear ice. Clear ice is better than cloudy ice," said Officer Phenicie. "The clearer it is the less irregularities it has."

The ODNR says, many factors affect the strength of ice besides thickness. Here are a few factors to keep in mind:

  • Thawing and refreezing can weaken ice.
  • Pockets of air can form under the ice on lakes where the water levels are raised and lowered by flood control.
  • Ice seldom freezes uniformly.
  • The insulating effect of snow slows down the freezing process.
  • Ice formed over flowing water and currents is often dangerous.
  • Ice conditions can change within a few feet because of currents or proximity to shore.
  • Schools of fish moving warm water up can open holes in the ice.

A minimum of five inches of ice is recommended for ice skating, ice fishing and snowmobiling. However, even then the ODNR says ice is never completely safe.

"It may feel weird, but when venturing out on ice always wear a personal flotation device or life jacket under your snow gear," recommended Phenicie. 

Officer Phenicie also recommended a fairly new option to the market: a flotation snowmobile suit.

The ODNR also say carry two screwdrivers, ice picks, or large nails to help gain a firm grip, in the event that you have to pull yourself out of the water.

Below is additional advice from the ODNR on how to respond if you, or someone near you, happens to fall through the ice.

If you feel the ice begin to crack beneath you, follow these steps:

  1. Do not run.
  2. Lie on your stomach and spread your arms and legs (like an airplane).
  3. Stretch your arms over your head and bring them together.
  4. Roll away from the crack. Do not bend your knees or elbows.

If someone has fallen through the ice:

  1. Do not go onto the ice-if it broke once, it will break again.
  2. Call for help.
  3. Tell the victim to hold their hands close to their face and breathe into their hands.
  4. Toss them something that floats. (Try a cooler or empty plastic bottle)
  5. Encourage them to use car keys, a pen, or other objects in their pocket to begin to pull themselves onto the ice.

If the victim is close enough to shore, you can help pull them in:

  1. Kneel or lie face down on solid ground.
  2. Throw or extend whatever you can find, such as jumper cables or skis, or push a boat ahead of you.

If YOU fall through the ice:

  1. Try not to panic.
  2. Do not remove your winter clothing. Heavy clothes will not drag you down. They trap air to provide warmth and flotation.
  3. Turn toward the direction you came. That is probably the strongest ice.
  4. Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface.
  5. Kick your feet and dig in your ice picks to work your way back onto the solid ice.
  6. Lie flat on the ice and roll away from the hole. This will help distribute your weight.
  7. Get to a warm, dry, sheltered area. Change into dry clothing and drink a warm, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverage.