slow down-ice still thin in spots

Range rescue

This last few days I could give you many more break thrus. Vermillion,Mille lacs etc. Know where you go and slow down on driving ATV's and snowmobiles on lakes. I am amazed at the people will drive out or venture on a lake,knowing nothing of it.

I have noticed in the last few years that the ice rescue gear has come a long way from the bamboo pole and ladder.

wetcanoedog: "I have noticed in the last few years that the ice rescue gear has come a long way from the bamboo pole and ladder."

It really has and the training to go along with it.

again

Jason went under three times in the process. I screamed with all my might and prayed very boldly and loudly and two people across the lake heard me and called for help."

Closer to home in the Brainerd lake a car was observed on a local lake. Be careful. We are now starting to get good ice. But NOT that good.

Having taught Ice Rescue for about 15 yrs I can tell you that there is no safe ice. Ice thickness is not uniform on a body of water. Plus there are different types of ice so yo nay have 6 inches of ice but it may be “rotten “ ice and not support your weight.

I was out yesterday on Mille Lacs, and there was a guy who drove an SUV all the way to the island that guards the mouth of Wahkon Bay. That's quite a drive....and I didn't see him stop once to check ice, drill a hole, or check out a crack.

carmike: "I was out yesterday on Mille Lacs, and there was a guy who drove an SUV all the way to the island that guards the mouth of Wahkon Bay. That's quite a drive....and I didn't see him stop once to check ice, drill a hole, or check out a crack.
"

Very familiar with that area and that is pushing it.

carmike: "I was out yesterday on Mille Lacs, and there was a guy who drove an SUV all the way to the island that guards the mouth of Wahkon Bay. That's quite a drive....and I didn't see him stop once to check ice, drill a hole, or check out a crack.
"

Darwin can be quite harsh with such people. It tends to improve the gene pool. I just hope it doesn't endanger a bunch of other people when Darwin claims his prize.

I worry about dogs and such when the ice is forming. But people you can't feel too sorry for with all the warnings and such. When big old Marlin across the lake is out there with his four wheeler, it's probably safe for a car. And if you go up the road north of here, Swan Lake I'd still question the ice as it had open water weeks after ours froze over.

Leech still had a open hole a few days ago.

Saturday Dec. 16
This is gettting old and sad-amount of break thru's and Outcomes

The reason I post this is maybe even one person is a little more careful.

You also see a trend on first ice,people will not walk out and fish. They have to drive some type of vechile out on the ice. Also with a little snow cover for insulation,ice formation will slow down. Use your legs and walk.

I went to my favorite fishing pond and there was no ice. Launched my canoe and caught several LM Bass. Why should I worry about thin ice?

Boy, search and rescue has been busy. I heard two calls yesterday and one this morning. Could this be a record year for that kind of activity?

So many are involving heavy ATV's used by people going on lakes not knowing the ice conditions. They don't even check the ice-they assume.

Not only in Minnesota the Maines wardens put a plane through the ice. Yes the wardens, I would have liked to think the wardens of all people would stay of the ice.
PLANE-LINK The pilot is lucky to be alive.

2 more snowmobiles through the ice in Brainerd. 2-sleds-through-ice-link