Safety First

Don't venture onto the ice without ice claws. These inexpensive hand-sized grips with a sharp point should be in your pocket and easy to get to at all times. Going through the ice is easy but getting out is difficult, and without ice claws to get a grip on the ice to pull yourself out with, hypothermia and drowning are just minutes away. For those wanting to be even safer, an inflatable vest, special protective clothing and a cell phone are indispensable items. At least one buddy with a rope to throw is even better.