SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – It’s not a typical winter in – some days are below freezing, and great for getting out on the ice – while others are hitting above freezing causing some danger with ice melting potential.
“This year the weather seems kind of strange, the last few years the weather seems to be getting stranger, I don’t know if it’s because we’re warming up more and more or what but yeah it seems to be a bit more erratic than what it’s been years ago,” Colchester resident Don Walter said.
Prescott Nadeau of the Williston Fire Department says people expect to be out on the ice, ice fishing, recreating just having a good time and in past years that’s been the case around this time of year.
“A week ago, we had freezing temperatures that definitely put a solid freeze in some areas of lake Champlain but it didn’t do a solid job and I mean, and I mean that pun intended,” Nadeau said.
He says if the temperatures drop significantly again — it is vital to be prepared.
“Our number 1 recommendation is as soon as the temperatures do begin to get to a freezing point and drop that lake temperature such that things freeze over, check the ice depth frequently,” Nadeau said.
Nadeau says grab a spot bar, auger, and make sure people recognize that ice doesn’t freeze uniformly and remember the basics like getting proper equipment.
“Make sure you have those ice picks with you so if you do fall through the ice, you have a means to get yourself out,” he said.
Another tip is to make sure you have a charge cell phone and to put it in some type of water bag or protective case, so it doesn’t get wet or damaged. And if you do need it, you can call for help whether that is for yourself or someone else that falls in the ice. Another important tool to keep with you is a throw bag of rope.
“A lot of people have ice picks for themselves but recognizing a throw bag of rope might be a lifesaving tool for a friend, a colleague or just you know someone who may have fallen on tough times and fallen through the ice. You might be the one that can help get them out,” Nadeau said.
He says if you don’t know, don’t go.
“No ice is 100% safe and therefore you know if you can’t make a good estimation of the thickness of that ice and make sure that you whether you’re walking out on it, going ice fishing, recreating in any form — if you don’t know don’t go it’s just not worth it,” Nadeau said.
As for Don Walter — he’s not missing the negative temperatures.
“I don’t mind it, I like the warmer weather so it’s not too bad,” Walter said.
