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The Maine Warden Service is urging people not to venture out onto any ice that may be covering Maine’s waterways.
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In some parts of the state, Maine’s lakes and ponds may appear to be frozen, but safe ice conditions cannot be assumed even though temperatures have been below freezing in recent days and at night. Also, any snow covering thin layers of ice acts as insulation and slows the freezing process.

“There are no safe ice conditions anywhere in the state right now. Period,” said Col. Joel Wilkinson, chief warden of the Maine Warden Service.

As the temperatures fall in the coming weeks, and the ice begins to thicken, the Maine Warden Service recommends people check the thickness of any ice before venturing out for any activity on frozen water.

Ice Saftey Tips:
• Do not guess the thickness of the ice. Check it in several different places using an auger or some other means to make a test hole and determine the thickness. Make several holes, beginning at the shore, and continuing to do so.
• Check the ice with a partner, so if something does happen, someone is there to help. If doing it alone, wear a lifejacket.
• If ice at the shoreline is cracked or squishy, stay off. Watch for thin, clear or honeycombed ice. Dark snow and dark ice are other signs of weak spots.
• Avoid areas with currents, around bridges and pressure ridges. Wind and currents can break ice.
• Parents should alert children of unsafe ice in their area, and make sure they stay off the ice. If children want to use new skates, suggest an indoor skating rink.

Anyone who breaks through the ice is encouraged to remember:
• Don’t panic.
• Don’t try to climb out immediately -- people will probably break the ice again. Reach for solid ice.
• Lay both arms on the unbroken ice and kick hard. This will help lift one's body onto the ice. Once on the ice, roll, do not walk, to safety.
• To help someone who has fallen through the ice, lie flat and reach with a branch, plank or rope or form a human chain. Don’t stand. After securing the victim, wiggle backwards to solid ice.

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