LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Despite recent cold weather throughout the state, and extremely cold temperatures on the way, the Michigan DNR is urging ice-goers to use caution and to know what to do if you or someone you’re with breaks through the ice.
Sgt. Jason Becker reports that six snowmobiles have fallen through the ice in Michigan over the past two weeks.
“We’re seeing a mix of situations including snowmobilers riding into open water and snowmobilers who break though the ice,” Becker said. “Be aware of the ice conditions before you go out. Do not rely on yesterday’s conditions. Weather changes can rapidly affect the ice in a short amount of time, even if it’s a sudden drop in the temperature.”
On January 22, Upper Peninsula conservation officers near the village of Garden in Delta County responded to reports of a drowning. It happened after strong winds created a 4- to 5-foot-wide pressure crack, exposing a portion of Lake Michigan. Officers said an angler had been operating his off-road vehicle to or from his ice shanty, which was located on the far side of the ice that had been separated by the pressure crack. It appeared the man mistakenly navigated his ORV into the open water, where it then sank in 10 to 15 feet of water.
The DNR encourages everyone to pay close attention to the different characteristics of the ice, wear an insulated snowmobile suit (that can serve as a personal flotation device) or a personal flotation device, and carry ice picks in an accessible location.
For more information, CLICK HERE to visit the Michigan DNR’s Ice Safety website.
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