Recieved a E mail from a friend in central Minnisota, they already have 3" of ice, but they have also had a bad start as several fishermen have already "taken the plunge"  thru thin ice. 1, unfortunately, took some time to rescue, and may not survive to learn the lesson. If you`re reading this you probabily love ice fishing as much as myself, but we all need to teach and observe some basic SAFETY rules. If we risk our own lives, then some one else has to RISK theirs to at least recover the bodies....#1- ALWAYS let someone know where you are going, and when you will be back.  #2- When possible take someone else with you, your chances of survival go up GREATLY if there`s help instantly available  #3 DO NOT put foot on the ice without WEARING "ice claws". Properly worn on your wrists, tucked up in your sleeves these have single handedly saved many lives. They range from $30 to home made (stout 4" nail driven 2" into broom handle, cut off at 4 1/2", drill hole 1" from other end, tie a tough bootlace thru hole making a loop, put over wrist inside coat sleeve. Alittle bulky yes but simple and FAST to get to); WEAR them, they won`t help you in your vehicle 300+` away...  #4- Always carry atleast 50` of strong rope (clothes line rope will generally work; 500 lb breaking strenght atleast) it`s light and takes up little space or weight; if some one "goes in" having it WITH you as opposed to running back to get it has very often been the slim difference between someone living or dying  #5 CARRY a "space blanket- it is an extremely thin plastic foil blanket that has other worldly heat retaining properties; ALL US / NATO aircrew have 1 in their survival gear. As former USN life support tech will testify they WORK!!! Also, made of  VERY tough material. #6- CARRY a cell phone; AS SOON! as anyone falls in IMMEDIATELY!!! call 911; hypothermia is a VERY FAST ACTING condition that requires IMMEDIATE medical attention; if possible SAFELY remove them from the water, strip them to their under garments, get the space blanket TIGHTLY around them and get them to warmth/ or pick up ASAP. DO NOT let them try to "John Wayne" it and "shake it off"- THEY WILL NOT!!!  GET them to EXPERT MECICAL help as FAST as humanly possible!!! #7- Unless you KNOW for a FACT the ice is safe, drill test holes, take the time, not the "plunge" #8- Use EXTEREME caution fishing around known springs- yes, great spots, BUT the slightly warmer water can do WEIRD things to the ice; AVOID "jumbled" or "milky" looking patches around them. Personally will ALWAYS have a rope tied on to me and partner fishing on/ around a spring. #9- "HEAVES" in the ice are to be AVOIDED at all times, because it`s already weakened, even refrozen, the pressure can suddenly shatter them. They can be DEATH TRAPS!!! AVOID them all together! Forgive the safety lecture, but those of us whom have "taken the plunge" (including myself)  have the obligation to share this knowledge. ALL safety rules are written in blood, agony and regret; PLEASE be SAFE on the ice for those who love you and who want you to SAFELY return to them...

Very informative post!!
One thing I do is to take a spud with me and use it to check the ice in front of my path. I also carry a length of rope out with me that has a boat flotation cushion attached to it. It makes it easier to throw and gives the target something to grab onto.

Steellord, both good ideas! Be SAFE and stay prepared, hopefully never need the safety gear...just a fillet knife!

In general they say take off your wet clothes, I will say depends on the clothes you have and the actual temps/conditions. The one time I fell into and unmarked spear hole, it was very windy, losing my clothes would've been a sure death. Rather I kepth my wet clothes on and allow the layer of ice to form on the outside instead. Hated the fact the my waterproof boots also held water in them all the way back to the car. Was able to make it to the car and then I took off my wet outer clothes.

After that event...Arctic Armor suit for me.

You are correct sir, actually meant what you said; stipping them down next to a running vehicle heater going full blast and ready to wrap in that space blanket. Keep in mind, staying in cold partially wet or soaked wet clothes during the ride to IMMEDIATE MEDICAL care can STILL be LETHAL! As SOON as can SAFELY be done ditch the cold wet clothing! AND GET them IMMEDIATELY to a doctor, most normal human beings just ARE NOT able to "shake off" being subjected to ANY lenght of time in very cold water, heart attacks are very common as a result; make SURE they "shake it off" under a docter`s supervision....try this; cold water in your shower avarages 56 degrees; TRY staying in it for 3 full minutes; then compound that by a factor of 3X, after 5 minutes most humans are all but helpless...obviously AVOID going in in the FIRST PLACE!