This was originally written as a magazine submission. It was not published, but I believe this information is important. This is not something you can practice. I visualize this situation in order to imprint it. I hope I never fall through ice, but if I did, I’d be more likely to survive.
Predicament:
You’re crossing a snow-covered lake when you hear a CRACK and instantly plunge into frigid water.Lifeline:
- The shock leaves you breathless - BREATHE and KICK.
- Get horizontal; remove skis or snowshoes.
- Turn back in the direction you came from.
- Keep kicking and use your elbows to lift your upper body onto the ice.
- Continue kicking, to remain horizontal.
- Try rolling onto the ice and keep rolling until you are away from the edge.
- Now, get on to your hands and knees and crawl further from the edge.
- Crawl until you are on solid ground, where you can safely stand.
IMPORTANT!: If you are too fatigued to kick or get your body horizontal, you still have a chance to survive.
- Get as much of your upper body out of the water as possible.
- Keep your arms stretched out onto the ice until your clothing freezes to the ice.
- This will keep you afloat, giving rescuers more time to reach you if you become unconscious.