Officials warn of thin ice
on Aroostook waterways
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
With bodies of water beginning to ice over, officials with Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife along with the Maine Warden Service would like to remind ice anglers and others who enjoy outdoor winter activities of the importance of safety when around ice.
“We can’t stress enough the importance of checking ice conditions right now,” said Captain Chris Cloutier of the MWS. “Never guess at the thickness of the ice — check it for yourself.
Cloutier recommends testing the thickness of the ice using an ice chisel or ice auger and check with local bait shops for known thin ice areas.
“Remember that new ice is usually stronger than old ice and ice seldom freezes uniformly. Ice that forms over flowing water and currents, especially near streams, bridges and culverts, can be particularly dangerous,” said Cloutier.
Locally, wardens have been preparing for accidents.
“My guys have been carrying gear with them; in the event an emergency arises, they’ll be ready,” said Lt. Tom Ward, MWS based in Ashland.
Ward said unfortunately as the weather gets colder, people get anxious to take part in outdoor recreation.
“They don’t think to doublecheck what’s beneath the snow they’re riding on or whether the ice they’re planning to fish on is actually thick enough to hold them,” said Ward.
The Warden Service offers these additional tips to help keep you safe this winter:
• Refrain from driving on ice whenever possible. If you must do so, make sure to keep the windows down, unbuckle your seatbelt and discuss emergency plans with any passengers in case you need to exit the vehicle quickly;
• Wearing a life vest under your gear and having a pair of accessible ice picks can be life-saving decisions if you do fall through the ice. Remember that your helmet and snowmobile suit, even if it’s non-buoyant, may keep you afloat for several minutes. Kicking your feet like a seal can also help propel you onto the ice; and
• If you witness someone fall through the ice, call 9-1-1. Instead of putting yourself in danger by trying to reach the victim, assist them from the shore by reassuring them help is on the way and extend objects like a rope, ladder or jumper cables if it’s safe to do so.
While many factors other than thickness can cause ice to be unsafe, the MWS suggests staying off ice that is less than four inches thick. Ice that is at least four inches thick may allow for ice fishing or other foot activities, while five-inch thick ice often allows for snowmobile or ATV travel.
