(INDIANA) - Indiana Conservation Officers are reminding Hoosiers to use extreme caution on frozen lakes, ponds, and rivers as winter recreation picks up.
While many enjoy ice fishing, skating, and snowmobiling each year, officials say drownings happen annually when people step onto ice that isn't as solid as it looks. Their rule of thumb: no ice is safe ice unless you've measured it. The DNR recommends drilling test holes and says ice should be at least four inches thick for fishing and five inches for snowmobiling. They also urge wearing a life jacket or flotation coat, carrying ice picks and rope, and telling someone where you'll be. Snow cover can make hazards harder to spot by insulating and weakening the ice. Areas with flowing water, springs, sand bottoms, or heavy wildlife activity can also create thin, dangerous spots.
Officials add: don't try to rescue pets or animals that fall through -- call trained responders instead.
The DNR says winter fun is safe when Hoosiers respect the ice and stay prepared.