What measures to take if you fall through the ice?

Assessing the Situation

When you fall through the ice, your first priority is to remain calm and assess the situation. If you have fallen through a solid sheet of ice, but your feet still touch the surface, you can try to pull yourself back up. If you have fallen into open water, you have about 1-2 minutes to escape before hypothermia sets in. The water temperature plays a significant role in how quickly hypothermia develops; for example, in 40°F (4°C) water, you have about 1 minute and 15 seconds before hypothermia becomes a concern.

Retrieving Your Gear

Before attempting to pull yourself back onto the ice or escaping the water, retrieve any nearby gear that may be useful, such as your ice auger, ice scoop, or extra clothing. If you have tip-ups set up, use the line to pull yourself back onto the ice. If you have a jigging rod, you can use it to help pull yourself back up. In a survival scenario, any piece of gear can be improvised to help you escape the water.

Staying Warm

Once you have returned to the safety of the ice, remove any wet clothing and replace it with dry, insulating layers. If you have a change of clothes in your shelter or nearby, put them on. If not, use any available materials, such as pine needles or grasses, to create a makeshift insulating layer between your skin and the cold air. Keep moving to maintain blood circulation and stay warm. If you cannot find a way to get back to land or shelter, create a snow shelter to protect yourself from wind and cold.