If and when you go through ice in the shallows, don't panic. You're standing on the bottom and breathing air, right? The water you're in is warmer than you will be once you get out of the pond. I suggest trying to break the ice to make a path to shore, rather than trying to climb out - that was much easier for me.

Anyone else have good bad experience to share on this?

"Live like you'll die tomorrow, but manage your grass like you'll live forever."
-S. M. Stirling
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