In my Wednesday post (Tip of the week 'Danger thin ice') I gave you some tips on how to make sure the ice is safe. But what do you do if you fall through the ice?
Hold your breath. Most of the drownings begin with the victim gasping a large amount of water when they first go in.
Stay above the ice. You should be wearing a good life jacket under your coat. There are many varieties that are light weight and will help keep you warm. (See my Bass Pro Shop link on my Home page)
Get out of the water. You have a very short time to get yourself out of the water and that can be difficult.
Carry ice sticks with you. This simple hand held tool will help get you out.
Once you're out, stay low on the ice and roll away from the weak spot.
Here is how you can make some Ice Sticks.
Materials needed: 12" dowel rod, two nails, glue or liquid nail, leather laces
With a hack saw cut the head off the two nails
Cut 2 six inch pieces of dowel rod for handles
Drill into center of dowel rod about two inches
Glue in nail with sharp point out as shown
Drill the handle through the top to accept the leather laces
When you get on the ice, make sure these are in your pocket. If you go through the ice, drive them into the ice and pull yourself out.
Leave me a comment or send me an e-mail to brad.proxmire@yahoo.com
that is an awesome idea!!! to bad new mexico doesn't get to much ice but i wonder if they would help me climb a tree to get away from bears!!! a thought maybe!!
ReplyDelete