Captain…Ahoy!
By Paul Bolden,
Captain of the 9th
Coast Guard District, Central Region
A NEW YEAR WITH A NEW POSITION
You may have noticed a slightly different title for this article which is now “Captain…Ahoy”. I am now the District Captain (DCAPT South) for this region. I believe this is the third promotion since I began writing these articles for the Gazette. Time does seem to fly LOL. This elevation means that I have a wider geographic area of responsibility stretching into parts of Michigan but this added responsibility doesn’t mean that there will be a lessening focus on boating issues that effect PIB residents and by extension residents of the surrounding islands and visitors to our waters. Rest assured that when it comes to safe boating (especially in our waters) we will remain in the same boat. (pun intended).
LAKE ERIE SEA STATE
As of this writing the current sea temp off PIB is 37.9°F and 36.3°F off of Port Clinton. Water temperature at Put-in-Bay is expected to drop to 35.6°F in the next 10 days. Waves over the next several days should not exceed 3 feet on average. EXTENDED climatology for January. Periods of heavy snow. Lake snows from the east, flurries west and very cold. Temperature average 23° (5° below avg.). Precipitation 5” (3” above avg. east, 1” above west).
ICE FISHING (PIB Maritime Academy On Pause)
Each year I debate when or whether to have our Ice Fishing edition based on the current weather conditions. This approach is not particularly effective for several reasons so going forward I will submit the Ice Fishing article in January in anticipation of a cold Winter with probable Ice Fishing conditions.
Those of you trying ice fishing for the first time may find helpful tips in this article. For the Old Pros, it never hurts to review. Here’s to hopeful PIB ice fishing…let’s get started.
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.
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).
And from the Ohio DNR:
• 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.
Here’s to safe ice fishing at PIB!
Island residents – for information about serving in the Coast Guard Auxiliary, taking a Safe Boating Class or receiving a Vessel Safety Check. Scan the appropriate QR Code.
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.
