Cautions issued on condition, safety of ice

With at least two close calls reported already this winter, state officials are urging people to check the strength and thickness of the ice before they venture out onto lakes, ponds, and streams.

Bodies of water have begun to freeze over, but temperatures are fluctuating above and below freezing, and ice conditions remain uncertain, said Don Boyce, director of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.

"People may be a bit impatient to venture out on the ice for skating, hockey, ice fishing, and other winter sports," he said in a statement. "It is very important to exercise precaution."

He recommended that people check with their police, fire, or parks department about ice conditions.

In Athol on Christmas Eve, a woman and her two young daughters plunged into a lake while ice fishing. The three were pulled from Lake Ellis after a retired firefighter saw them fall through. The victims were treated and released from a hospital.

Two teenagers were treated at a hospital after falling through the ice at Pickerel Pond in Natick on Dec. 20.

Officials offered a variety of ice safety tips, including:

Never go onto the ice alone.

Keep pets on a leash and don't try to rescue them yourself if they fall through the ice.

New ice is usually stronger than old ice.

Beware of ice covered by snow, which can keep the ice warm and can hide cracks and other weaknesses.

Slush is a danger sign, indicating that ice can be weak or deteriorating.

Ice formed over flowing water is weaker.

Ice thickness can vary widely.

If someone falls through the ice, throw them something. If that does not work, go for help before you also become a victim.

If you fall in, try not to panic. Turn in the direction from which you came. Put your hands and arms on the unbroken surface and work yourself forward by kicking your feet. Once out, remain prone and roll away from the hole. Crawl back to your tracks, keeping your weight distributed until you reach solid ice.