HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — The Polar Votex, along with general winter conditions has iced over most area rives and many lakes. The Grand Traverse Bay has been iced over for more than 24 hours, something that’s happened just a half-dozen times over the last 20 years — in 2018, ice covered the bay for 14 straight days just a year ago.
Ice is alluring and dangerous, according to Ottawa County Sheriff’s Marine Unit supervistor, Sgt. Eric Westveer. He says plenty of reasons exist for getting onto an iced-over Lake or river — boating, fishing, skating, and hockey.
Before you step onto any frozen body of water, never assume ice is safe, he said, and plan ahead.
“If you’re going out on the ice, let someone know where you’re going — what approximate time you’re going to return,” he said. “Take a cellphone with you, a way to contact people if an emergency happens.”
Be prepared to move quickly to save yourself if the ice should open up, sending you into the water.
“Use tools, like an ice spud, to check the thickness as you’re going out, to make sure that it is thick enough,” Westveer said, “and one of the big things I’m a fan of is ice awls, they’re like picks, that you can hang onto. If you do go through, you can use those to get yourself out of the ice, or out of the water.”
This morning WZZM is reporting a snowmobiler is missing on Kent county’s Lincoln Lake. Two fell in, one was able to get out and alert authorites. the search for the one missing resumed this morning.
