Brains
How to Survive Falling Through Ice
The coming of spring brings warm temperatures, longer days, and the end of wintery weather. But as temperatures rise, the ice that blankets frozen ponds and lakes begins to weaken. Thin ice can come out of nowhere, and falling through the ice into freezing water can kill. Understanding how to survive falling through ice and how to stay calm while doing it can mean the difference between life and death.
Step 1: Brace for the Fall
If you feel the ice cracking beneath you before a fall, prepare yourself for the shock of cold water. The shock of the water causes immediate changes in breathing and heart rate, so it is not to be underestimated. It is important to fight the reflex to gasp and breathe if your head becomes submerged. Although the initial shock passes, it is important to act quickly, as hypothermia can set in quickly.
Step 2: Remain Calm, Signal for Help, and Remove Heavy Items
Staying as calm as possible is key after a fall. Controlling your breathing will allow you to assess the situation and get out of the water. Deep, slow breaths will help calm you. This is also when you should remove items that weigh you down, such as skis or a backpack. Removing these items will make it easier to escape. Now, you can turn all your attention to getting yourself out of the water.
Step 3: Get Horizontal and Kick to Safety
Pick a spot on the ice around you and start kicking towards it. Try to kick towards the thickest part of the ice. Once you reach solid ice, use your arms to hoist your upper body onto the ice, and continue kicking as hard as possible to get your entire body onto the ice. Use your forearms and elbows to lift your upper body out of the water. If you cannot get out, conserve your energy by moving as little as possible and waiting for rescue
Step 4: Roll Away from the Hole
After you have thrusted yourself out of the water, gently roll away from the hole. Standing up near the hole may cause another fall, so it is important to stay down as your weight is more evenly distributed. Roll away several feet from the hole before attempting to stand up.
Step 5: Retrace Your Steps Back to Land
After rolling several feet from the hole and finding thicker ice, it is time to stand up and retrace your steps back to shore. At this point, hypothermia is likely looming, so getting warm is crucial. Shivering, dizziness, hyperventilation, and difficulty speaking are initial signs of hypothermia. Quickly retrace your footsteps back to shore and find someone who can assist you.
Step 6: Remove Wet Clothes and Gradually Warm Yourself
Taking off your wet clothes is the fastest way to increase your body temperature once you are inside. Find dry clothes and a heat source, and gradually warm yourself up. If you do not have a building or vehicle to get warm in, you will have to make a fire. Once you have your heat source, bring your knees to your chest to conserve body heat as you slowly return to a normal temperature.
Thin ice is unpredictable, especially as temperatures slowly warm up. Surviving a fall through the ice comes down to preparation and staying calm under pressure. Knowing the risks and how to respond to a fall can turn a dangerous situation into one you can survive. In the end, stay aware and stay prepared. And when in doubt, stay away from the ice.
