Beware Of Thin Ice

Tip : Wintertime outdoorsmen often encounter sheet ice over bodies of water. It is tempting to walk on the ice rather that through snow and brush. It is particularly tempting when a detour across a frozen pond is a shortcut back to camp. <p>This is very dangerous. It takes a long period of subfreezing temperatures to build ice that will support a grown human's weight. In the north, where ice-fishing is popular, this is well understood and everyone is appropriately cautious. However, in warmer locales, a sudden sharp freeze can tempt the unwary onto the ice. <p>Just because the ice near the shore seems solid, it doesn't mean the ice farther out is equally strong. Falling through the ice, particularly some distance from shore, is very dangerous. It's almost impossible to climb back out and help has a hard time getting to you. <p>If you don't live in true ice country and understand when and where it is safe, stay off the ice.