Is it safe to fish with a buddy on thin ice?

Assessing Ice Thickness

When venturing onto a frozen lake, it’s essential to assess the ice thickness before allowing others to join. For foot traffic, most sources recommend a minimum of 4 inches (10 cm) of solid ice. However, this increases to 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) for ATVs or snowmobiles, and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) for cars. To ensure accurate assessments, consider using a tape measure or a device specifically designed for this purpose.

Communication and Emergency Planning

If you decide to fish with a buddy on what you believe to be solid ice, it’s crucial to establish a communication system to aid in emergency situations. Designate a meeting spot in case one of you falls through the ice. Make sure your buddy knows your planned route and estimated return time. In the event of an emergency, stay calm, and focus on getting to the designated meeting spot. If you need to rescue someone, use a rope or a long branch to reach them, and never attempt to break through the ice to reach them.

Ice Rescue Techniques

If you do find yourself in a situation where you need to rescue a buddy who has fallen through the ice, use the “Reach, Throw, Row, Go” method. Reach for the person with a long object, throw them a flotation device, row to them with a rope, or go to them directly (only if the ice seems stable enough to support your weight). Practice these techniques before heading out on the ice.