I went through the ice and it was no fun but it wasn't that bad. If you know how to get out it's not that difficult. Not panicking and rolling out on to the ice where you came on is the key. (See the video link here somewhere)
BTW the media did the icefisherman on Lake Erie a disservice. Yes they were taking a chance but as usual they didn't tell the whole story and aren't that knowledgeable about what they are reporting on. (Anyone else notice whenever they report on something you know a lot about they always get it wrong?)
To hear them tell it the ice was melting because of the mild temps etc. Actually the ice sheet seperated due to a combination of an icebreaker to the west helping this sheet of ice pop loose and once the strong south winds took hold away she went. Many of the icefisherman with snowmobiles and quads got off on their own accord by heading east parallel to the shore and getting off that way. To hear the media report it they were all rescued by the Coast Guard. Bull!
