Lansing, MI — Local officials are urging residents to take extra precautions when venturing onto frozen lakes, following an incident in which a man fell through the ice while ice skating on Grass Lake.
The accident occurred when the man was skating on the lake and the ice beneath him suddenly gave way. Emergency responders were called to the scene, and it was later determined that the ice had a thickness of just 2.5 to 3 inches, far below the recommended minimum for safe activities on the ice.
Greg Jones, the fire chief for Grass Lake, explained that the recent weather likely contributed to the incident. “The lake was open only two days prior, so it hadn’t had time to freeze properly,” Jones said. “That likely played a role in the ice being too weak.”
Cullen Knoblauch, a conservation officer with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, also addressed the dangers of thin ice. He stressed that ice safety should never be taken for granted, especially with unpredictable weather. “More than three inches of ice, at least five inches, is generally considered safe for activities like ice fishing,” Knoblauch said. “But there’s really no such thing as ‘safe’ ice — it’s important to exercise extreme caution.”
Knoblauch offered several tips for people planning to be on the ice this winter. He recommends always going out with a buddy, wearing bright clothing for visibility, and ensuring the ice is free from snow, which can obscure weak spots. He also advised wearing a life jacket, even for activities like ice skating, where the risk of falling through is higher.
In the event that someone does fall through the ice, Knoblauch suggests trying to escape by reaching back toward the ice where the fall occurred. “You should turn around and face the direction of the ice where you fell, and then use your hands to grab the ice. If you have ice picks or a pocket knife, they can help you get a better grip,” he said. “You should also kick your feet fast, like you’re swimming, to help pull yourself out.”
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has also provided guidance on recognizing the strength of the ice. Clear, blue-ish ice is typically stronger, while ice that appears milky or cloudy is weaker and more likely to break. To ensure safety, it is recommended to test the ice before stepping on it, using a spud, needle bar, or auger.
For those heading out onto frozen lakes, Knoblauch advises bringing an ice pick or even a set of keys, as they can be vital tools for self-rescue in an emergency. “Being prepared can make the difference between life and death in these situations,” he warned.
Authorities continue to remind the public that ice conditions can change rapidly and urge all residents to stay informed and exercise caution during winter activities.
