Public Safety Agencies Issue Warning After Multiple Calls of People Falling Through Thin Ice

(KNSI) — Area public safety agencies are warning people to stay off the ice.

The Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office responded to multiple calls over the weekend of people falling through thin ice on local lakes. The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office says a dog that had fallen through the ice in Wakefield Township on November 17th was rescued by the Chain of Lakes Fire Department. Authorities say no ice is ever 100% safe, but ice in the early stages of forming is especially dangerous.

At least four inches of new, clear ice is needed to support a person. Snowmobiles need five to seven inches of ice. At least seven or eight inches of ice is necessary for a side-by-side, or ATVs and cars need between nine and 12 inches of ice. For trucks, 13 to 17 inches of ice is required, and at least 20 inches is needed for a heavy duty truck and a fish house.

Other tips for staying safe around cold water and on the ice include wearing a foam life jacket or flotation suit, carrying ice picks, rope, an ice chisel and tape measure to check the ice thickness at regular intervals, using the buddy system and letting someone know about plans and an expected return time. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says to bring a cell phone or personal locator beacon and ask about conditions and known hazards with local experts before heading out.

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