Q: Now that the winter ice fishing season is here, what are the minimum ice thickness requirements for traveling on the ice?
A: Before venturing out on a frozen lake or pond keep in mind there is no such thing at 100% safe ice. The recommended minimum ice thickness is four inches of new clear ice for travel on foot. Five inches is the minimum for snowmobiles and ATVs, and 8-12 inches for cars or small trucks. Remember these thicknesses are merely guidelines for new, clear, solid ice. Many factors other than thickness can cause ice to be unsafe. Before driving onto the ice, check for known thin ice areas with a local resort or bait shop. Also test the thickness yourself using an ice chisel or ice auger.

Q: What are some other basic safety tips when on the ice?
A: If you must drive a vehicle onto the ice, be prepared to leave it in a hurry. Keep windows down, unbuckle your seat belt, and have a simple emergency plan of action that you have discussed with your passengers.
Avoid alcoholic beverages. Even "just a couple beers" are enough to cause a careless error in judgment that could cost you your life. And contrary to common belief, alcohol actually makes you colder rather than warming you up.
When traveling by snowmobile in the dark, don't "overdrive" your snowmobile's headlight. At even 30 miles per hour, it can take a much longer distance to stop on ice than your headlight shines. Many fatal snowmobile through-the-ice accidents occur because the machine was traveling too fast for the operator to stop when the headlamp illuminated the hole in the ice.
A safety tip ATV riders and snowmobilers riding on ice is to wear a life vest under your winder gear. Or wear one of the new flotation snowmobile suits. CAUTION: Don't wear a flotation device when traveling across the ice in an enclosed vehicle.
It's also a good idea to carry a pair of ice picks when traveling over frozen lakes and rivers. If you do break through, these picks can help you grip onto the ice to pull yourself out.

Q: What should I do if I break through the ice?
A: Try not to panic. Remain calm and turn toward the direction you came from. Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface of the ice. Work forward on the ice by kicking your feet. If the ice breaks, maintain your position and slide forward again. Once you are lying on the ice, don't stand. Instead, roll away from the hole. This spreads out your weight until you are on solid ice.

For more information contact the Minnesota DNR for free ice safety publications, including the brochures, "Danger, Thin Ice" and "Hypothermia: The Cold Facts." Call toll free 1-888-646-6367 or send an e-mail to the Information Center at info@dnr.state.mn.us.