I just want to remind you people living in northern climates that fishing, working or playing on the frozen surface of the sea, a river or lake can be dangerous. Knowing how to fish safely on the ice can be a matter of life or death.

What to Remember when Ice Fishing
Include items for testing and measuring the thickness of the ice. A do not forget items for rescue or self-rescue. It is good to carry a couple of large nails and a length of light nylon rope. If you should go through the ice, the nails could help provide a "grip" on the slippery surface and aid in getting out from the water.

Other Things to Remember
If you end up in the water do not panic and once you are out of the water and are lying on the ice, don't stand! Roll away from the point where you broke through until you are on solid ice.

Be especially wary of river ice, as it can be highly variable in thickness.