Mahoning Township

 Fire Department

Danville, Pa

                                 

“Stay Off of River Ice"

Outdoor enthusiasts head for the ice each year, whether it is for fishing, ice skating or snowmobiling.  There is a risk anytime you go out onto the ice.  A recent incident of an individual who crossed the ice on the Susquehanna River with his young children has prompted the Mahoning Township Fire Department to send out this advisory.

River ice is very dangerous and should never be trusted to support the weight of a human being. The strength and stability of river ice is never a sure thing.  On average, river ice is 15 percent weaker than pond or lake ice of the same thickness. River ice thickness is inconsistent and can vary in the same area of the river from a foot to a fraction of an inch. The ice can look thick and solid from the riverbank but it could actually be paper-thin due to the water moving underneath. If a person would fall through the ice into the water, the river current can carry them downstream rapidly underneath the ice. 

The current water temperature of the Susquehanna River is approximately 32 degrees F.  Cold water removes heat from the body 32 times faster than cold air. Swimming and treading water will greatly increase heat loss and can shorten survival time by more than 50%.  The initial shock of the cold water can place such a strain on the body, and for some individuals produce instant cardiac arrest.  Upon falling into the cold water, your body will involuntarily gasp for breath.  Disorientation may also occur.  Extremities will quickly numb to the point of uselessness. Finally, hypothermia sets in and without proper rescue and treatment, unconsciousness and death will follow.

Expected survival times in cold water:

70-80*F: Exhaustion/unconsciousness in 3-12 hours; expected survival time is 3 hours – indefinitely.

50-60*F: Exhaustion/unconsciousness in 1-2 hours; expected survival time is 1-6 hours.

32-40*F: Exhaustion/unconsciousness in 15-30 minutes; expected survival time is 30-90 minutes.

Less than 32*F: Exhaustion/unconsciousness under 15 minutes; expected survival time under 15-45 minutes.

If you do go out to enjoy outdoor winter activities involving ice:

-Always wear a life jacket or PFD (Personal Floatation Device)

-Drill test holes as you progress out onto a lake to help judge the thickness of the ice

-Stay away from cracks, seams, slushy areas, and/or darker areas

-Never go onto the ice alone

-Inform someone of your destination and expected time of return

-To be safe and have a great winter, stay off of river ice

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