Safety
Safety
Skating on natural ice is an incredible experience – but it also comes with certain risks. That’s why it’s important to reduce those risks as much as possible.
For a safer journey on the ice, you need – Knowledge, Equipment, and Companions.
Knowledge – Understand ice and the factors affecting its strength, how to handle challenging situations, how to use your equipment correctly, and other skills that will make your skating trips safer.
Equipment – The essential gear you need for safer travel and to deal with an accident should one occur.
Companions – The key to a quick and effective rescue if something goes wrong.
One of the best ways to gain these skills is to join a skating club and take part in guided tours. You’ll benefit from the knowledge of experienced skaters while building your own expertise with every trip. As a bonus, you’ll enjoy great company out on the ice.
Below are some important tips for skating on natural ice.
Never Skate Alone!
You should always skate in a group of at least three people – preferably more. That way, rescue tasks can be shared if an accident occurs. Skate in single file, not side-by-side, and keep a safe distance from the person in front.
Know Your Safety Gear!
To prevent falling through the ice:
– Ice pole
To get yourself out if you fall in:
– Flotation aid (backpack with hip belt, crotch strap, and dry change of clothes in a waterproof bag)
– Ice claws
To get help from others if you fall in:
– Whistle
– Throw line (with extension strap and carabiner)
Learn to Read the Ice!
Pay attention to changes in the ice’s appearance and sound – they always reveal something about its quality. If you see changes, stop and test the ice ahead using your pole to check thickness and strength.
Know the places where ice is often weaker:
Narrow straits, shallows, headlands, inlets, and outlets, where water currents are present
Areas near drainage outlets releasing warmer water
Reeds, where ice often forms thinner
Around piers and under bridges, where heat retention can weaken the ice
Snow-covered ice requires extra caution, as changes in the ice are hidden and sounds are muffled. Large areas of newly formed ice also demand care – don’t skate straight across; follow the edge to older, more stable ice. Sea ice generally has lower strength than freshwater ice and changes faster. Spring ice may be solid in the morning but lose its strength rapidly as the sun warms it, despite good thickness. Traveling on spring ice requires significant skill and experience.
Practice – Even in Summer!
Many skating clubs arrange rescue practice in summer. This is a great opportunity to test your backpack’s flotation, try swimming with skates, learn the right body position for climbing out, and more.
Keep Learning!
Ice assessment is a skill learned out on the ice – reading about it is not enough, and you can never know it all. Go out with experienced skaters, pay attention to sounds and visual cues, test often with your pole, and ask questions.
Many of Skridksonätet member clubs offer ice safety courses – an excellent way to deepen your knowledge.