Ice Fishing

(HealthDayNews) -- Are you planning to do some ice fishing this winter?

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission offers these safety tips:

• Always take a partner along.
• Wear insulated waterproof or rubber boots, and neoprene or waterproof nylon mittens.
• Bring along a PFD seat cushion. You can use it as a seat or flotation device in case of emergency.
• Attach a long cord to your sled. This will make the sled easier to pull. And if someone falls through the ice, you can push the sled to the stranded individual while you hold onto the line.
• If you do fall through the ice, stay calm. After you've spiked your way out, roll across the ice in the direction you came.
• Spray vegetable oil on your augur and snowshoes. This way snow won't stick to you and you won't cut yourself cleaning off the snow.
• Wear creepers, which will keep you from slipping and falling on the ice.

-- Felicity Stone