Anglers, ice sport enthusiasts and families with pets should exercise caution near the frozen waters in the area.
‘Last winter season the Hadley Township Fire Department responded to three separate incidents involving animals that had broken through the ice,? said Hadley Township Assistant Fire Chief Kurt Nass.
Snowmobiles on the ice are extremely dangerous, said Brandon Fire Chief Bob McArthur, in a 2004 interview with The Citizen, with the biggest myth touted by snowmobilers that sleds avoid ice breakthroughs by ‘jumping or flying over? thin spots.
No activity should happen until ice is cut to check for thickness, McArthur says, warning that spring-fed waters frequently create unstable areas, and seemingly stable ice may be critically thin only a few feet away.
Among the animals rescued by Atlas Township firefighters was a deer, says Atlas chief Jim Naugler.
Whether a pet or person breaks through, it’s essential to call 911 to get the fire department dive team on the scene, says Naugler, cautioning anglers to avoid soft spots.
According to Michigan DNR’s weekly online fishing report, anglers should stay off ice until after ‘at least a few steady weeks of below-freezing temperatures?, and should use extreme caution (see Michigan DNR weekly fishing report can be found at http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10364_10888-34956?,00.html).
Ice safety tips:
‘Call 911 instead of attempting rescue; stay to assist emergency crew to locate victim.
‘If rope is nearby, throw to victim for tying around the trunk.
‘Don’t depend on the hole in the ice as a marker; there may be multiple holes as victim struggles to free himself.
‘Always carry a floatable object on ice.
‘Carry Ice-Alls (screw driver type prongs); use as picks in ice to keep out of water.
‘Try to keep arms on the ice if you fall through.
‘Don’t struggle; air trapped in clothing acts as insulation.
‘Avoid alcohol, which increases hypothermic risk.