AUGUSTA – The Maine Warden Service is warning outdoor enthusiasts to use extreme caution when going onto ice particularly in areas near bridges, thoroughfares, culverts and wherever else there may be currents flowing underneath as ice in these areas may be very thin or non existent.

A Massachusetts man went through thin ice on South Twin Lake, near North Twin Dam on Indian Purchase 4 near Millinocket, at approximately 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, 2008.

The area where the man went into the water is in close proximity to where a Connecticut man died in early April 2008 when snowmobiling onto thin ice near moving water on North Twin Lake.

On Saturday night, Dennis Belmonte of Middleton, Mass., was riding in a group of four snowmobilers when they became disoriented trying to follow directions they had been given to a trail. Three of the snowmobilers made it to safety as the ice gave way under them, and Mr. Belmonte, 43, went through the ice. He was able to kick and grab himself onto safe ice, and is unharmed. The rental sled he was driving is in approximately 30 feet of water.

According to MWS Sgt. Ronald Dunham, it was the men’s “good fortune” that they turned away from the area of North Twin Dam to get off the thin ice.

Sgt. Dunham and Warden Andy Glidden investigated the incident.

“There are certain locations in the state that never freeze. Locals usually know about these. Unfortunately visitors do not,” according to Major Gregory Sanborn of the Maine Warden Service. “Recreationalists not familiar with a particular body of water need to use extreme caution. Never follow a track just because it’s there. Also, be aware of any moving water, such as inlets, outlets and culverts.”

It takes colder temperatures to freeze water in culverts, inlets and outlets because it is in motion, Major Sanborn said.

“Areas of moving water never freeze to the point of being safe to cross or ride upon,” Major Sanborn said.

In many parts of the state, lakes and ponds may appear to be frozen, but safe ice conditions cannot be assumed. Most of the bigger lakes still have open water. Also, recent snowfall is covering lakes and ponds, thus slowing the icing process.

If you must go on the ice this winter, the Maine Warden Service offers these tips for ice safety:

· Never guess the thickness of the ice – Check it! Check the ice in several different places using an auger or some other means to make a test hole and determine the thickness. Make several, beginning at the shore, and continuing as you go out.

· Check the ice with a partner, so if something does happen, someone is there to help you. If you are doing it alone, wear a lifejacket.

· If ice at the shoreline is cracked or squishy, stay off! Watch out for thin, clear or honeycombed ice. Dark snow and dark ice are other signs of weak spots.

· Avoid areas with currents, around bridges and pressure ridges. Wind and currents can break ice.

· Parents should alert children of unsafe ice in their area, and make sure that they stay off the ice. If they insist on using their new skates, suggest an indoor skating rink.

If you break through the ice, remember:

· Don’t panic.

· Don’t try to climb out immediately – you will probably break the ice again. Reach for solid ice.

· Lay both arms on the unbroken ice and kick hard. This will help lift your body onto the ice. Once on the ice, roll, DON’T WALK, to safety.

· To help someone who has fallen through the ice, lie down flat and reach with a branch, plank or rope or form a human chain. Don’t stand. After securing the victim, wiggle backwards to the solid ice.

Posted by Tom Remington

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