(WFRV) – The Coast Guard reminds the public to use caution when entering areas around icy waters as temperatures fluctuate across the Great Lakes region.
A press release from the Ninth Coast Guard District highlights that fluctuations will impact the structural integrity of any icy areas. This poses safety concerns for those who plan outdoor activities on or near water.
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The Coast Guard states that warmer temperatures will cause frozen waters to melt at a fast pace and that ice is unpredictable. The thickness of the ice can vary around bridges, narrow spots, inlets and outlets, pressure ridges, slushy areas, and cracks. Darker areas signify thinner ice, according to the release.
NINTH COAST GUARD DISTRICT
NINTH COAST GUARD DISTRICT
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The Coast Guard has provided necessary precautions that could save your life or the life of someone else:
- Always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. A life jacket allows a person to float with a minimum of energy expended and allows the person to assume the Heat Escape Lessening Position by bringing the knees close to the chest and holding them in place by wrapping the arms around the shin portions of the legs.
- Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. Don’t let warm temperatures deceive you. Wear a dry suit in any cold-water environment to increase the chance of surviving a fall into the water.
- Hypothermia is the biggest danger after falling into the water, even if one manages to get out immediately. Every minute counts in a cold water environment. Hypothermia sets in quickly as the human body’s core temperature drops below 95 degrees (35 degrees C). Cold water drains a body’s heat up to 25 times faster than cold air.
- Dress in bright colors, wear reflective clothing, patches, or tape, and wear a waterproof exposure suit. The chance of locating a person in distress is increased when the individual wears bright and reflective clothing.
- Never go out on the water alone; always use the buddy system. File a float plan to let a friend or relative know where you’re going and how long you expect to be gone.
- Carry a registered personal locator beacon in addition to a marine radio to alert the Coast Guard and local safety agencies of potential distress. Consider a waterproof hand-held model that can be worn. Bring ice awls or screwdrivers in case you need to self-rescue.
For more information, visit the United States Coast Guard Atlantic Area official site.
