The Redwoods Group Insurance Program for YMCAs
Risk Management Alert

Topic: Safety on Ice

Although the season is young, at least 7 children have already died this winter by falling through the ice on frozen ponds and lakes. These deaths have not been directly related to YMCAs, but if your YMCA is located near frozen ponds or uses them for activities, please observe the following:

1: Communicate and enforce the following safety rules
  • Always tell someone where you are going...an adult should always know where you will be.
  • Never be alone on the ice...always have a buddy within 10 yards of you. If you fall through the ice your buddy is there to either rescue you or to go for assistance.
  • Never allow fires on the ice...bonfires on the ice should be prohibited. A fire will weaken the ice and creates a danger to anyone on the ice.
  • Never drive on the ice...although the ice may support the weight of a vehicle, vehicles should be left on solid ground. A vehicle should not be used to plow the ice as it may weaken the ice even if it does not actually break it.
  • Never go onto questionable ice...if uncertain contact your local authorities. If someone must go onto questionable ice, they should never do so alone and they should always wear a lifejacket. It will keep them afloat and provide them with protection from hypothermia.
2: Locate a safe area for use
The recommended minimum thickness of ice for safe activity is 6 inches. You can determine ice thickness by drilling holes in separated areas around the pond or lake. Avoid activity around partially submerged objects such as trees, logs, embankments, or dams as the ice is usually not as thick in these areas. Also avoid cracks, slushy areas, or darker areas that signify thinner ice.
3: Designate the area to be used
The area to be used should be clearly delineated by cones, snow banks, or barriers that distinctly indicate the portion of the ice to be used in the activity. Warning signs should be posted if there are areas of weak or questionable ice. Night activities require the provision of adequate lighting.
4: What to do if you do fall in
  • Don't panic
  • Try to stay afloat and pull yourself back out onto the ice in the directions you came
    • bend your elbows and lay them flat on the ice
    • kick with your feet and pull yourself back onto the surface of the ice with your arms
  • Once on the ice lay flat and roll away from the broken ice.
  • Don't stand up until you have moved onto the ground or an area of solid ice


Please call us at 800-463-8546 to discuss this or any other risk management concern, or visit our web site at www.redwoodsgroup.com to learn more about YMCA risk management related issues.

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© The Redwoods Group, 2003
Risk Management services are provided by The Redwoods Group to assist the management of insured organizations in fulfilling their responsibilities for the control of potential loss-producing situations involving their operations. The Redwoods Group does not warrant that all potential hazards or conditions have been identified or evaluated, or that they are safely controlled. The liability of The Redwoods Group is limited to the terms, conditions, and limits of the policies it has issued when conducting Risk Management Services.
released 01/14/03