Your Safety Matters

Stay Safe While Enjoying Our Frozen Lakes

Frozen ponds and lakes can be beautiful, but they also pose risks. It’s crucial to understand the conditions before you step out. Be aware of thin ice and always prioritize safety. A little caution helps ensure everyone can enjoy winter activities safely.

Stay Safe on the Ice

Here in northern Colorado we’re used to the changing winter weather — from below freezing temperatures to warm, sunny days. These wild temperature changes make ice on area lakes and ponds extremely unstable from the repeated thawing and freezing cycles. Around Evans, it is safest to assume that the ice is not strong enough to hold you. Keep kids and pets near you; never let them wander out onto ice. 

If you do happen to fall through ice, or see someone that has, the following ice safety tips can prevent a mistake from becoming fatal:

  • Call 911 immediately. Even if you are safely able to help someone out of the water they should receive medical care immediately.
  • Never attempt to walk out onto the ice to rescue someone; you might also fall through the ice and become another victim in need of rescue.
  • Always keep pets on a leash. Never allow your dog to run out onto the ice and never walk your dog near a frozen lake or pond without a leash. If your dog falls through the ice, do not attempt a rescue. Go for help.
  • Reach-Throw-Go. If you can’t reach the person from shore, throw them a flotation device or a rope. If you still can’t help the person quickly, go for help.

If you fall through the ice, remember these tips:

  • Don’t panic. Try to remain calm to conserve as much energy as possible. Try to get your arms onto the ice and kick as hard as you can with your feet to help lift you onto the ice, and then roll to safety.
  • Do not swim. Swimming will cause your body to lose heat much faster than if you stay as still as possible.
  • Don’t take off your winter clothes. It’s a common misconception that the heavy layers will drag you down. However, your clothes can trap air to provide insulation and floatation, especially snowmobile suits.
  • The strongest ice will likely be in the direction you came from, which makes it the best place to try to get out.
  • Act slowly and deliberately to conserve heat. Expect a progressive decrease in your strength and ability to move. Make the harder maneuvers at the beginning, while you can.
  • Keep your upper body above water. Keep your head and upper body as far out of the water as reasonably possible to conserve body heat.
  • Once you are on the surface, stay flat and roll away from the weak ice to keep your weight evenly distributed and avoid breaking through again.
  • After you’re off the ice you need to find shelter, dry clothing and warm non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated drinks.
  • Seek medical attention if you feel disoriented, have uncontrollable shivering, or have any other ill effects that may be symptoms of hypothermia.

Common Questions

Your top concerns about frozen lakes answered here.

Unsure about something else?

Here you can find answers to the most common questions about staying safe on frozen ponds and lakes. We aim to keep our community informed about the risks involved and the precautions you can take. If you have other concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Get Answers

For ice to be considered safe, it should be at least 4 inches thick for walking and 5-7 inches thick for snowmobiles. Always check with local authorities before venturing out.

If you do fall in, try to stay calm. Keep your head above water and kick your legs to try to lift yourself onto the ice. If possible, reach for something solid to pull yourself out.

Watch for cracks, dark spots, or bubbling on the surface of the ice, as these are signs that the ice is weakening. Always err on the side of caution.

Yes, but make sure you’re following safety guidelines. Check the ice thickness and never fish alone. Carry safety equipment just in case someone falls in.

Wear insulated waterproof boots, a flotation suit, and carry a personal flotation device (PFD). It’s also wise to bring along a buddy and emergency gear.