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For
Immediate Release: January 5, 2005
Media Contacts: John Hall, Robert Rooks 802-241-3700
STAY SAFE -- FOLLOW THESE ICE FISHING SAFETY TIPS
WATERBURY, VT -- Ice fishing is popular and a lot of fun in Vermont.
Each winter
thousands of anglers venture out onto frozen lakes to fish
through the ice. And,
each winter there are ice-related accidents often
caused by poor judgement or poor decisions based on inadequate
information.
Here are some safety tips every person venturing out onto frozen lakes
should
observe according to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.
· Leave information about your plans with someone -- where you intend to
fish
and when you expect to return.
· Wear a personal floatation device and don't fish alone.
· Ice varies in thickness and condition. Always carry an ice spud or
chisel to check
ice as you proceed.
· Be extremely cautious crossing ice near river mouths, points of land,
bridges,
islands, and over reefs and springs. Current almost always
causes ice to be thinner
over these areas.
· Avoid going onto the ice if it has melted away from the shore. This
indicates
melting is underway, and ice can shift position as wind
direction changes.
· Waves from open water can quickly break up large areas of ice. If you
can see
open water in the lake and the wind picks up, get off!
· Carry a set of hand spikes to help you work your way out onto the
surface of the
ice if you go through. Holding one in each hand, you can
alternately punch them
into the ice and pull yourself up and out. You
can make these at home, using
large nails, or you can purchase them at
stores that sell fishing supplies.
· Carry a safety line that can be thrown to someone who has gone through
the ice.
· Leave your car or truck on shore. Every year several motor vehicles go
through
the ice on Vermont lakes, and people have drowned as a result.
· Heated fishing shanties must have good ventilation to prevent deadly
carbon
monoxide poisoning. Open a window or the door part way to allow
in fresh air.
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For Further Information please contact: Robert Rooks at 802-241-3700 or
email to
rrooks@dps.state.vt.us |
