On the heels of a report from Highland Township about a 30-year-old man and his four-year-old son who drowned while ice fishing this week, Lake Orion Police Chief Jerry Narsh has issued a warning that it is unsafe to go out on Lake Orion.
Narsh said there are large sections of Lake Orion that have open water and residents need to practice safety.
‘Just because it is cold outside does not mean lake ice is safe,? he said.
‘This year, we have experienced an unusually slow start to winter conditions. Nevertheless, ice safety depends on many factors, not just ice thickness and temperature. The Lake Orion Police Department wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable winter season. Please know and practice these common sense rules before you enter a frozen lake, and please consider the following:?
? Ice thickness is measured by new, clear, solid ice.
? Minimum standards for entry are: four inches for foot traffic, five to six inches for snowmobiles and ATV’s, and eight to 12 inches for cars or small trucks.
? There may be hidden areas of weak or thin ice near shore or by storm water drains and under bridges or where moving water is present.
Be aware of the legal and growing use of ‘water bubblers? that prevent ice from forming around docks and break walls. There are several private and commercial lake front property owners using these devices to prevent ice damage. There is no advance warning required of their use.
? If a pet or other animal falls through the ice, do not risk death if it is unsafe to remove them. Call the police department for assistance. People who try to approach an animal in the water will usually fall through as well. Please do not risk human life to save a pet.
? Call 911 immediately if a person is in the water, seconds matter. Almost anything can be thrown to rescue a person in the water, jumper cables, a ladder, anything that will float enough to assist, or allow you pull them out from a safe position.
? Always wear a flotation vest when entering onto frozen water, or a newer model flotation snowmobile suit. Wet winter clothing can add up to 60 pounds of weight.
? Avoid the excessive use of alcohol, a diminished reactive time could be fatal
? Use good common sense. No sport or activity is worth losing your life over.
The only safe ice is in your glass.