Buoyancy aid — worn, always
More than half of the drowning accidents in boat fishing happen to people who were not wearing a buoyancy aid. Most of them had one in the boat — just not on.
Always wear it. Not only in the boat: on the ice, on a jetty in cold water, and when wading. This is not about being able to swim. It is about keeping your head above water for the 30 seconds after you unexpectedly go in.
A modern inflatable is so comfortable that there is no reason not to have it on.
Ice — the hard part of Sweden
Winter on the ice is beautiful, and lethal if you get it wrong. Safe ice = at least 10 cm of clear core ice for one person. 15 cm for a group.
- Snow ice (white, porous) does not count. It needs to be twice as thick.
- Open holes and weak areas around rocks, reeds and inflowing streams are invisible from above. Never cross straight over such places.
- Currents under the ice can leave apparently thick ice at 2 cm.
Before you go out, read the current ice conditions on IsRapport.se — our sister project, carrying reports from Swedish lakes every winter.
The equipment that saves lives
- Ice picks around your neck, always. Without them you cannot get out if you go through — the edges of the hole are wet and smooth.
- A buoyancy harness under your jacket when you fish alone on unfamiliar ice.
- A fully charged phone in a waterproof bag.
- Spare clothes and a flask in the car or the bag — hypothermia arrives quickly.
Tell someone at home where you are going, when you will be back, and how you will be contacted if they do not hear from you.
If something happens
The emergency number is 112. SOS Alarm receives position data with the call — say where you are, what has happened, and whether anyone is unconscious or in the water.
If you pull someone out of the water: keep them horizontal (lifting them upright risks afterdrop shock), dry them and warm them gradually. No rapid warming — a hot bath is wrong. Hospital as soon as possible.
IsRapport.se
Our sister project IsRapport.se is Sweden's national ice-condition reporting service. Anglers, skaters and hikers contribute reports; a map shows where the latest measurements were made and how thick the ice was.
Use IsRapport before you go out on ice. It is free, there is a mobile app, and it saves lives.