By TONY ZIEBOL

Journal Staff Writer

Last winter, 10 people died in ice accidents in Minnesota, which according to Tim Smalley of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, was the most winter fatalities in the state since 1986-87.

Since 1994-95, 38 people in Minnesota have died from ice-related causes (none in Brown County), including five under the age of 13.

Although the weather has been relatively mild so far this year and lakes haven't frozen over yet, the DNR is warning winter sports enthusiasts about the potential dangers of frozen ice.

"Parents need to strongly warn their children to stay off any frozen bodies of water, especially when their is no adult present," said Smalley, who is a water safety specialist.

Here are a few ice safety tips recommended by the DNR:

-- Four inches of new clear ice is the minimum for travel on foot, 5" for snowmobiles and ATVs, and 8"-12" for cars or small trucks. However, no ice is 100 percent safe.

"There is no way that the ice is near being walkable at this point (in the year), and with the unseasonably warm Fall we have had, it's hard to predict when folks can go out without taking an unnecessary risk," Smalley said.

-- Check for known thin ice areas with a local resort or bait shop. You can test the thickness by using an ice chisel, ice auger or even a cordless 1/4 inch drill with a long bit.

-- Refrain from driving on ice whenever possible. If you must drive a vehicle, be prepared to leave it in a hurry by keeping windows down, unbuckling your seat belt and having a simple emergency plan of action that all passengers are aware of.

-- If you're on a snowmobile, don't "overdrive" the sled's headlight. At even 30 miles per hour, it can take a much longer distance to stop on ice than your headlight shines. Many fatal through-the-ice accidents occur because the snowmobile was traveling too fast for the operator to stop when the headlamp illuminated a hole in the ice.

-- Wear a life vest under your winter gear or one of the new flotation snowmobile suits. It's also a good idea to carry a pair of ice picks, since it can be very difficult to pull yourself back onto the surface of unbroken but wet and slippery ice. This is especially true with a snowmobile suit, which could be weighted down with 60 pounds of water. Do not, however, wear a flotation device when traveling across the ice in an enclosed vehicle.

If a companion falls through the ice, the DNR suggests five steps you should follow.

-- Keep calm and think out a solution.

-- Don't run up to the hole. You'll probably break through and then there might be two victims.

-- Use some item on shore to throw or extend to the victim to pull them out of the water such as jumper cables or skis, or push a boat ahead of you.

-- If you can't rescue a victim immediately, call 911. Since many people carry cell phones today, it's a big help.

-- Get medical assistance for the victim. People who are subjected to cold water immersion but seem fine after being rescued can suffer a potentially fatal condition called "after drop" that may occur when cold blood that is pooled in the body's extremities starts to circulate again as the victim starts to warm again.

If you fall in, don't panic and try to remain calm, the DNR states. Turn in the direction you came from and place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface of the ice (here's where the ice pick comes in handy). Work forward on the ice by kicking your feet. If the ice breaks, maintain you position and slide forward again. Once you're lying on the ice, don't stand, but roll away from the hole. That spreads out your weight until you are on solid ice.

When out, get to a heated shelter, put on warm, dry clothing and drink warm, non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated drinks. Call 911 and seek medical attention if you feel disoriented, have uncontrollable shivering or have any other ill affects that may be symptoms of hypothermia.

However, the DNR's best advice is don't put yourself into needless danger by venturing out too soon or too late in the season.

Ice is the only danger, winter sports enthusiasts face.

Last winter, 17 people died in snowmobile accidents.

The DNR recommends that snowmobilers don't drink and drive, drive at a safe speed, be prepared with a first aid kit, flashlight, water proof matches and a compass, stay alert and avoid traveling across bodies of water when uncertain of ice thickness and strength.

Also, snowmobilers should wear warm snug clothing, a helmet and goggles or a face shield, never travel alone and report any accidents.

"Drive safely and drive smart when operating a snowmobile," said Bill Bernjhelm, DNR Enforcement Chief. "Drivers should always be aware of potential hazards and use good judgment."