PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (WCAX) – A warning for winter anglers before they head out on the ice. New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation says with the variable weather recently being safe on the ice is more important than ever.
The DEC says people should always check the ice thickness, with 4 inches of clear ice usually safe to walk on, but depth could vary even in the same body of water. And if you do go into the water, DEC Forest Rangers say to keep calm and head back the way you came.
“In the event that you do go through the ice, it’s important to know the direction you came from is safe and held your weight, so should you fall through, orienting yourself and going back the way that you came is a good thing to remember,” said DEC Ranger Ashly Carabetta.
Forest Rangers recommends checking with local bait shops for ice depths and going fishing with a friend. Free Freshwater Fishing Day in the Empire state is February 17th and 18th.
In Vermont, at least three people died last year after falling through the ice.