Lesser Slave River Community Guide Winter 2017 | Page 13

WINTER 2017
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• Always carry waterproof matches and nails or spikes in your pocket to help
you get out of the water.
• Always carry a compass or GPS with you while out on the lake. A compass or
GPS can provide valuable location-based information that you can’t see with your
own eyes, and can help you navigate through unexpected conditions.
• When driving on lake ice: keep your seat belts off, open your window a crack
and half unlatch your door so it can be opened quickly.
• Never follow closely behind or park near another vehicle on the ice. Ice can bend
and crack with the weight of people, vehicles or heavy snow.
If you should fall through the ice:
• Break your way to ice thick enough to hold your weight. Time is of the essence.
• Crawl on your belly onto the surface, spreading your weight as far as possible.
Use sharp objects for traction.
• Immediately seek a warm place and remove wet clothes. Hypothermia sets in quickly
and will leave you helpless.