jrbsr

Get two really big nails.

And tie heavy string on the nail heads
about two foot long or so.

Then hang it around your neck while on the ice.
You could even run them through you coat sleves to your hands
To be there all the time.

If you fall through the ice grab the nails in each hand like ice picks,
Then you can use them to pull your self along the ice till you can get out.

If you are under the ice the nails will make it possible to get back to the hole you fell through.
You know under the ice you can't get a hold on any thing to move under the ice.

I hope this helps
And keep safe while on the ice.

Charlie P

Everbody used to make me go out first.If I didn't go through they knew they were safe.

Champlain Islander

I bought a commercial pair of safety spikes this year at the Gander Mountain store. Same idea that you mention but there are 2 sides with handles that hook together and hang from your neck by a rubber stretch cord. They were only about 5 bucks and I wear them all the time.

ELKINMTCWB

Here is 1 more thing to remember.
If you start to go though the ice fall face 1st. This is very hard to get use to but it will save your life.

I have fell though the ice many times[11 so far]. The bigest reasing i fall though is I press my luck.If for any reasion you do not think you should go there DONT that will save you more than any think.

I have walked on 2 in this is how to fall in :} I am normaly the 1st guy on the ice and last off.If you do not have ALOT of ice experiance than do not go.

Any time on thin ice or old ice I have a long tool in my hand at all times. 2X4 ice drill even a long stick.

Champlain Islander

Elk if I fell through 11 times I would probably decide I was doing something wrong. How can your heart take the shock. I fish almost every day and am one of the first on in the early winter and last off in spring. Still I usually manage to call it quits before something happens. I go out on 2" all the time in the early winter and usually with no snow it is solid and clear. I am careful and cut my way out. Last ice is the tough one because that is when we get our best catches and it can deteriorate during the day. Lots of times we have to get to the good ice by boat or planks but that only lasts for a few days. I usually get to the point that I start to get scared and that night I pull all the line off my rods so I won't be tempted to go. I don't feel too bad because I know turkey season is just around the corner and I get my boat ready for full ice out.

ELKINMTCWB

Most of the time I fall though on moving water or when bever traping.But not just a leg normaly I go down :{

As I said I push the limit on the ice. Most the time I have no problem at all. Normaly it is totaly my falt :}