Glossary
Ice picks
A pair of hand-held spikes worn around the neck on ice, used to grip the ice and pull yourself out if you fall through.
Ice picks are a pair of short, sharp spikes with handles, usually joined by a cord and worn around the neck or shoulders whenever you are on frozen water. If you fall through, they give your hands the grip you need to pull yourself back onto the ice. The Minnesota DNR (opens in a new tab) says ice picks, or even a pair of nails or sharpened screwdrivers, come in handy for the extra traction you need to climb out.
The DNR's self-rescue steps if you fall through:
- Try not to panic, and keep your winter clothes on; they trap air and help you float.
- Turn toward the direction you came from, which is probably the strongest ice.
- Put your hands and arms on the unbroken ice.
- Kick your feet and dig in your ice picks to work your way back onto solid ice.
- Lie flat and roll away from the hole to spread your weight.
- Get to a warm, dry place and rewarm; get medical care for moderate or severe cold.
The DNR also says there is no such thing as 100 percent safe ice, so picks are a backup, not permission to go on thin ice. See what to do if you fall through ice and ice safety.
What you can do today: put a set of ice picks with your winter gear if anyone in your family goes on frozen lakes.