Precautions when using ice for outdoor activities

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) -- This Christmas vacation some here in western Mass. may be hoping to enjoy some fun outdoor activities like snowmobiling or ice skating but has it been cold enough for the ice to freeze enough to be safe?

Western Mass News is getting answers.

The water at Loon Pond in Springfield is starting to freeze over but it may still not be safe for any recreational activities.

“It is definitely not safe to be on the ice right now it just started getting cold the other day there is only a skim coat of ice maybe up to an inch in the waterways right now and that’s not safe to walk on not safe to skate on,” Springfield Fire Commissioner, BJ Calvi noted.

He told us for activities on foot like ice fishing or ice skating, the ice needs to be at least 4 inches thick. He recommends at least 5 to 6 inches of ice before snowmobiling or ATVing. As for cars or small trucks Calvi says you need at least 8 to 12 inches and for a medium truck you need 12 to 15.

But how can you tell if the ice is thick enough?

“So, right now you can see through the ice and see the water so you know it’s not safe as the ice gets thicker you can put a pilot hole to see how much ice is there,” explained Calvi.

He says we really need at least 2 solid weeks of below freezing temperatures before it’s safe to go out on the ice.

“Probably not for Christmas vacation. And it’s consistent so when it gets into the 30s and 40s during the day that’s not doing anything to make the ice thicker it’s actually melting the ice at that point,” he told us.

Commissioner Calvi says these days it can be hard to predict when the ice will be safe.

“Usually in January in the past was when it was safe. It’s hard to tell now with the freeze thaw cycles we’ve been seeing in the last couple years it’s difficult to tell when the ice will be thick enough which is why people need to pay a lot of attention and keep an eye on what’s going on and make sure their kids aren’t going out there,” added Calvi.

He says to never go out in the ice alone and if you see someone fall in do not go out on the ice.. call for help.

For more tips on ice safety, CLICK HERE