US Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan advises of the dangers as increasingly warmer temperatures weaken ice.
The Coast Guard warns that warmer temperatures present the possibility of extremely hazardous ice conditions throughout Lake Michigan, including Green Bay, Sturgeon Bay, Lake Winnebago, and other surrounding bodies of water and harbors.
Recent trends suggesting decreased stability of ice reveal a danger to citizens ice fishing or transiting on the ice whether by foot or snowmobile.
“With the arrival of spring, ice will begin to melt and the risk for people to fall through or become stranded on an ice floe greatly increases,” said Cmdr. Erik Leuenberger, Sector Lake Michigan search and rescue mission controller. “We ask that everyone stay off the ice, but if you do venture out then please take extra safety precautions.”
The Coast Guard warns people to never venture out on the ice alone and always tell someone where you are going and when you intend to return. The Coast Guard also recommends that a flotation device be carried when near or on the water.