Although the mirror-bright ice can tempt and look safe, it is important not to be fooled by the first glance. This is emphasized by both Lars Nonstad and Oddgeir Kvien, who are both experienced skating enthusiasts. After many years on frozen water, these two have acquired a good knowledge of traveling over the ice in winter. And so that you can have a safe trip, you get their best tips here: Test the thickness of the ice Just by looking at the ice, you can get an approximate impression of how solid and thick the ice is, says Nonstad. But both he and Kvien emphasize that it is important to check the thickness of the ice by drilling a small hole in it. This can be done with the help of an axe, ice pick or an ice pick. – Stay close to land, where it is shallow, says Nonstad. The ice should be between 10 and 15 cm thick for it to be safe to travel on. – But remember – even if the ice is 10 cm thick in one place, it is not necessarily that across the entire water. So it is important to be vigilant, Kvien points out. Bring the right equipment One of the most important things you must have with you on the ice is ice spikes. – Then you have something to help you get up with, if you fall through, says Nonstad. In addition, it may be a good idea to have a throwing line readily available, says Kvien. You can throw this to others to get help out of the water, or you can also use it to help others in need. This video is from a previous news report. The man who walked through the ice was very experienced and had the right equipment. In addition to having the right equipment, it is also important that the equipment is securely fastened – especially the rucksack. If it hangs loose, it will float up if you fall into the water, and you may have problems getting up, says Kvien. Back the way you came If the ice were to crack under you, try to go back the way you came – that is, where you have already gone without the ice cracking. – At least there you know that the ice is safe, says Kvien. The same route back also applies if you fall in, but Kvien emphasizes that you should not get up once you have come out of the water. – Then you risk going through the ice again. Lie on your stomach and drag yourself back. Dry spare clothes Take dry clothes with you in a waterproof bag. – If you fall through the ice, there is almost no point in rescuing yourself on land, if you have wet clothes in 7-8 degrees Celsius. You must have dry clothes nearby, says Nonstad. It is important to wait to change until you know you are on safe ice or on land, and if you are with others, it is important that you get help to change into dry clothes, says Kvien. – Because when you get out of the water, motor skills are greatly reduced because you are chilled. Without dry clothes, it can be difficult to get the heat back into the body again. Photo: Dan Östling Don’t go alone Both Nonstad and Kvien agree on the importance of always being accompanied on the ice – preferably by people with experience. – You must never walk alone on the ice. It is important, says Nonstad. However, it is advisable to keep a distance between each other, so that you avoid more people falling through should the ice crack. Check ice reports Similar to checking the weather forecast, it may be a good idea to check ice reports online. This can be found on the municipality’s websites, varsom.no or yr.no. The ice water rules Have respect for the ice. Do not go out on the ice without swimming skills. Take proper and sufficient safety equipment with you – especially ice spikes readily available. Follow more. If there are many of you, spread out a little. Stay on safe ice. Pay particular attention to snow-covered ice and seasonal changes. Use all your senses, listen for sounds in the ice. If you go through the ice and do not panic. If others are walking through the ice, keep your distance. (Source: Norway’s lifesaving company)
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Six tips for traveling safely on skis and ice skates and on foot on the ice – news Trøndelag
