Ice skating safety

SafeSport, a Website from the UK, provides in-depth advice on a wide spectrum of sports. Equipment is discussed, clothing recommended, conditions analyzed, and there are 19 articles about safety measures for getting started in sports.

Safety is discussed by kind, setting and different individual sports. An example of the advice is this critically important information for anyone who ice skates on a frozen surface above water:

If possible, chose a frozen-over shallow body of water. If you do happen to fall in, the depth will be low enough for you to safely walk out.

The strength of the ice cannot be determined just by looking at it. Its strength is determined by many factors, which include: water chemistry - is it salt or fresh water; the daily climate - wind, snow, rain and temperature fluctuations; presence of water currents at stream inflows and outflows; the size and depth of the open water; distribution of weight on the ice; and signs of expansion cracks on the surface.