Hennepin County Sheriff's Office Urges Vigilance on Ice Safety as Winter Arrives
Provided by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
TWIN CITIES, MINNESOTA – With Minnesota’s lakes and ponds beginning to freeze over, the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) is reminding residents that ice safety should never be taken for granted. While winter activities like ice fishing, skating, and snowmobiling are beloved traditions, officials caution that no ice is ever completely safe and conditions can vary dramatically between waterbodies and even across the same lake.
“Every winter, we see lives changed because of accidents on frozen lakes,” said Lt. Rick Rehman of HCSO. “I urge our community to respect the ice, take every precaution, and look out for one another. Areas with ice ridges, cracks, or moving water—common in spring-fed ponds and lakes with channels—are particularly hazardous. Let’s work together to ensure this winter is one of joy, not tragedy.”
Increase in Ice Incidents
A concerning rise in incidents underscores the risks of frozen water. From January to April 2024, HCSO responded to nine water emergencies related to ice, compared to five during the same period in 2023. The City of Woodbury in Washington County, Minnesota, already has had two water rescues connected to people falling through the ice, resulting in three people going to the hospital. These numbers represent reported cases only and highlight the critical need for heightened awareness and preparation.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has also warned about current conditions. While ice has started forming on lakes and ponds, much remains dangerously thin. Already this season, at least one person has lost their life in an ice-related incident, underscoring the unpredictable nature of Minnesota’s winter waters.
Essential Ice Safety Guidelines
Whether you’re venturing out for recreation or simply crossing a frozen lake, these tips can help prevent accidents:
Check Ice Thickness Regularly: Ice must be at least 4 inches thick to safely walk on. Use an ice spud or auger to measure thickness every few feet.
Equip Yourself with Safety Gear: Always carry ice picks, wear a life jacket or flotation device, use cleats for traction, and dress in brightly colored clothing for visibility.
Avoid Dangerous Areas: Steer clear of visible cracks, depressions, and areas with open water or flowing currents.
Spread Out: If traveling with a group, avoid standing together in one spot to reduce the risk of breaking through.
Inform Someone of Your Plans: Always let a friend or family member know where you are going and when you plan to return.
What to Do If You Fall Through the Ice
If you break through the ice, preparation and calmness are your best allies:
Stay Calm: Control your breathing to avoid hyperventilation.
Keep Winter Clothes On: Contrary to popular belief, heavy clothing can trap air, providing both insulation and flotation.
Use Ice Picks (if applicable): Place your arms on the unbroken ice, dig in your ice picks, and kick your feet to get horizontal. Pull yourself up onto the surface.
Roll Away from the Hole: Distribute your weight by rolling to safety.
Seek Shelter: Get to a warm area immediately, as hypothermia can set in quickly. Call 911 if symptoms worsen.
Rescuing Someone Else
If someone else falls through, resist the instinct to run directly to the edge of the hole, as this can also put you in danger. Follow these steps instead from the MN DNR:
Preach: Reassure the victim that help is on the way and encourage them to stay calm.
Reach: Extend an object like a rope, ladder, or jumper cables to the victim from a safe distance.
Throw: Toss a floating device or rope to the person.
Row: If possible, push a light boat across the ice, secure it with a rope, and use it to pull the victim out.
Go: Attempt a direct rescue only if all other options fail and it is safe to do so. Otherwise, call 911 and continue to reassure the victim.
Historical Ice Fatalities in Minnesota
Since January 1976, Minnesota has recorded 269 ice-related fatalities, with drowning accounting for nearly all deaths. Hypothermia, often misunderstood as a primary cause, has resulted in only five fatalities over the past 48 years.
Recent incidents include:
A 72-year-old man who broke through the ice while walking on Lake Independence in February 2024.
A tragic incident in January 2024 where a truck went through the ice on Mille Lacs Lake, claiming the life of an 80-year-old.
Other cases involving snowmobiles and other vehicles highlight the risks of venturing out too soon.
How to Stay Safe This Winter
The HCSO and DNR urge residents to stay off the ice until it is safe. Thin ice can form deceptively early in the season, and recent tragedies are a sobering reminder of the dangers. For updated ice conditions and additional safety resources, visit mndnr.gov/icesafety.
By preparing for the worst while hoping for the best, Minnesotans can enjoy winter’s beauty without unnecessary risks. Stay safe, stay informed, and take every precaution when stepping onto frozen waters this season.
Cover Photo Provided by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Written by: Will Wight
