MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The recent cold snap with sub-zero temperatures allowed the entire surface of Marquette’s lower harbor to freeze over. Although it looks tempting, authorities are saying to stay off the ice.
The bitter cold temperatures, along with little wind and calm seas, caused the ice to become as smooth as a skating rink. These rare conditions drew dozens of people to the area around the lower harbor ore dock. However, after reports of a person falling through the ice Monday morning, the Marquette Fire Department issued a warning for all persons to stay off the ice.
“When it comes to the ice, especially on Lake Superior, we recommend just not going on it at all. We know people want to, people do it anyway, but because of how unpredictable the currents under the ice are and the tides changing, we just recommend not doing it at all,” said Marquette Fire Fighter, Owen Morton.
What makes ice on Lake Superior so dangerous is its unpredictability. Deep under the ice, Lake Superior is constantly moving.
“Everything changes out on Lake Superior all the time. It can be a day, or there can be an open harbor. The next day it will be frozen over, and the day after, it’ll be open again. You just really never know,” remarked Morton.
If you’re one of the unfortunate who fall through the ice. Morton says to do this to get yourself out.
“The best way to do it is to get your arms up on the ice, start kind of pulling yourself up, but also kicking your legs at the same time. And that’ll help you get up on the ice. And once you’re up, kind of just roll away from whatever hole you may have created,” said Morton.
Although no citations have been handed out yet, the law allows for heavy fines if you need to be rescued. The person who fell through the ice today was able to get themselves out of the water and off the ice safely, a little wiser, a lot colder, and certainly lucky.
