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Two fisherman set up their gear to icefish.
CELINA - Although there still may be ice on Grand Lake, state and local officials agree that no ice is completely safe and residents should use extreme caution when venturing outside.
Grand Lake St. Marys State Park Manager Dave Faler said there is currently ice on the lake but declined to provide a measurement. He said the state never gives measurements because the thickness varies throughout the lake.
"Even in my 28 years of being here, even the coldest of winters, there are open areas in the lake," he said.
As a general rule of thumb, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources said 4 inches of new, clear ice is the minimum thickness for foot travel. Snowmobiles and ATVs can be supported with 5 inches of ice, while 8-12 inches is necessary for cars and small trucks.
A minimum of 5 inches of ice is recommended for the enjoyment of ice skating, ice fishing, ice boating and snowmobiling on state park lakes.
William Spencer, St. Marys, sets down his fish finder while icefishing on Eastview pond in Celina.
Faler noted that it's very likely the ice will melt in a few weeks because of warming temperatures.
"We had several days of very cold weather but we've had rain … so the ice is getting thinner," he said. "If we get a substantial amount of rain, the lake will … actually be thawed around the edges and then around where anything comes through the ice. People need to be very careful when going out onto the ice and being around anything that's sticking out of the ice, such as docks or boat lifts."
If people plan on going out on the ice, Faler said they should wear a life vest, bring ice picks and notify someone about where they plan to go and when they're coming back. It's best if they bring a buddy.
If someone were to fall through the ice, staying calm is key, according to ODNR. Do not remove winter clothing because it traps air to provide warmth and flotation. Instead, they should turn toward the direction they came, as that is likely the strongest ice. They should place their hands on the unbroken surface, kick their feet and use ice picks to work their way back onto solid ice. Lie flat on the ice and roll away from the hole, which will help distribute the weight.
Faler said if someone falls in and can't get out but has a phone, they need to call 911 and let dispatchers know their specific location, including street names and addresses.
If someone is on the ice and it starts to crack, ODNR said they should not run. Instead, they should lie on their stomach and spread their arms and legs, stretch the arms above the head and bring them together and roll away from the crack.
Evan Post, Coldwater, waits for a fish to bite while icefishing on Eastview pond.
Other safety tips ice enthusiasts should take include drinking water to prevent dehydration, avoiding alcoholic beverages and being alert for symptoms of hypothermia, such as uncontrollable shivering, drowsiness, slow or slurred speech, memory lapses or clumsiness.
When going outside, ODNR recommends dressing warmly in layers, starting with insulating fabrics and finishing with a final layer of protective fabrics. Also, keep the head, neck and hands covered and wear waterproof boots.
Insulating fabrics trap the body's heat, ODNR states. Start with thin layers of polypropylene close to the skin and add fabrics that retain heat even when wet, such as wool or synthetic fleece.
Additionally, avoid 100% cotton garments, as they are most effective at drawing heat away from the body. Protective fabrics prevent the elements from cooling the insulating layers. This includes parkas, rain suits, paddling gear and jackets made of nylon.
Matthew Meadows, Celina, skateboards along the frozen Eastview pond in Celina.
