Commander…Ahoy!
By Paul Bolden, Commander of the 9th Coast Guard District, Central Region, Division 16
A New Year at the Bay
I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year’s celebration! Now that we are into 2022, I hope that the new year finds everyone healthy. As an FYI, I will be continuing as the Commander for Division 16, Central Region for Western Lake Erie for this upcoming year.
With the increased boating activity in and around PIB, we will continue to be challenged at keeping our waterways safe for mariners in and through 2022. In my capacity with the USCG-AUX, I will continue to keep PIB’s maritime community informed on any new Coast Guard regulations that may impact us.
Mid-term Break From PIB Academy…Ice Fishing Anyone?
As a Weather Specialist, the fact is that there is no predicting whether it will be cold enough for a sustained period of time to have safe ice fishing around Put In Bay and the islands. That being said, I am going to pause our PIB Maritime Academy to install our annual Ice Fishing edition. In the event that we have weather conditions conducive of ice fishing, the information below should be of benefit to the novice and experienced ice fisher alike.
Sea State Report
As of this printing, the current Lake Erie sea temperature is 38°F. Statistics for January 1st (1981–2005) – mean: 38 °F, range: 35°F to 41°F. Near shore and off shore waters are open.
Things to Consider Before Going Out
• Ice conditions vary across the lake. If you are new to ice fishing on Put-in-Bay, talk to knowledgeable locals about conditions and what areas to avoid.
• Purchase a pair of ice picks or ice claws, which are available at most sporting goods stores.
• Tell a responsible adult where you are going and what time to expect you back. Relaying your plan can help save your life if something does happen to you on the ice. (More on this later).
What to Know About Ice
• You can’t always tell the strength of ice simply by its look, its thickness, the temperature or whether or not it is covered with snow.
• Clear ice that has a bluish tint is the strongest. Ice formed by melted and refrozen snow appears milky, and is very porous and weak.
• Ice covered by snow always should be presumed unsafe. Snow acts like an insulating blanket and slows the freezing process. Ice under the snow will be thinner and weaker. A snowfall also can warm up and melt existing ice.
• If there is slush on the ice, stay off. Slush ice is only about half as strong as clear ice and indicates the ice is no longer freezing from the bottom.
• Be especially cautious in areas where air temperatures have fluctuated. A warm spell may take several days to weaken the ice; however, when temperatures vary widely, causing the ice to thaw during the day and refreeze at night, the result is a weak, “spongy” or honeycombed ice that is unsafe.
• The DNR does not recommend the standard “inch-thickness” guide used by many anglers and snowmobilers to determine ice safety. A minimum of four inches of clear ice is required to support an average person’s weight on the ice, but since ice seldom forms at a uniform rate it is important to check ice thickness with a spud and ruler every few steps.
Venturing Out on the Ice
• The DNR does not recommend taking a car or truck out onto the ice at any time.
• If you are walking out onto the ice with a group, avoid crossing ice in a single file.
• Never venture out alone without telling a responsible adult on shore your plans.
• Test ice thickness with an ice spud before you settle on a spot.
• If you are with a group, avoid standing together in a spot. Spread out.
• Wear a life jacket and bright colored clothing.
• Take a cell phone for emergency use.
• Look for large cracks or depressions in the ice and avoid those areas.
• Remember ice does not form with uniform thickness on any body of water. Underwater springs and currents can wear thin spots on the ice.
If You Fall Through
• Try to remain calm.
• Don’t remove your winter clothing. Heavy clothes won’t drag you down, but instead can trap air to provide warmth and flotation. This is especially true with a snowmobile suit.
• Turn in the water toward the direction you came from – that is probably the strongest ice.
• If you have them, dig the points of the ice picks into the ice and, while vigorously kicking your feet, pull yourself onto the surface by sliding forward on the ice.
• Roll away from the area of weak ice. Rolling on the ice will distribute your weight to help avoid breaking through again.
• Get to shelter, heat, dry clothing and warm, non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated drinks.
• Call 911 and seek medical attention if you feel disoriented, have uncontrollable shivering, or have any other ill effects that may be symptoms of hypothermia (the life-threatening drop in the body’s core temperature).
There is No Such Thing as 100 Percent Safe Ice!
4” of new clear ice is the minimum thickness for travel on foot. 5” is minimum for snowmobiles and ATVs. 8”- 12” for cars or small trucks.
I would also add. Know where you are at on the lake such as your proximity to a landmark. Better yet, know the coordinates. Along with your cell phone also have a handheld marine radio and know how to use it. Choose a handheld that is waterproof and floats. The best idea (IMO) would be to purchase a personal locator beacon (PLB) and wear it while on the ice.
Those of you who are boaters will be familiar with the concept of a “Float Plan.” Above is what’s called an “Ice Plan.” Essentially they are the same thing. It contains vital information about you and your party should you not return as schedule from your trip on the ice. The “Ice Plan” is left with a reliable party before your departure. Please clip it and save it for use when out on the ice.
The previous piece is published in this month’s Put-in-Bay Gazette. The Gazette has been producing incredible independent Put-in-Bay island news for over 40 years. If you have any interest at all in what is happening on South Bass Island, we urge you strongly to subscribe to the Put-in-Bay Gazette. One-year online subscriptions are only $15, and print subscriptions are available as well. To subscribe please click here.
This piece of Put-in-Bay journalism has been provided to islandclub.com courtesy of the Put-in-Bay Gazette, Put-in-Bay’s only local newspaper. Visit their website putinbay.news for more information and to subscribe!
