Petty Officer Jonathan Dellinger of the United States Coast Guard Station in Duluth said people need to pay attention to the weather before heading out on the ice.

Dellinger said wind is an important factor that can make a seemingly normal day on the ice, dangerous.

Ice needs to be four inches thick to hold people. Measurements Dellinger said can’t be seen on Lake Superior yet.

Dellinger advised people to make a plan, take a lifejacket, another person, and something reflective on their trip out.

“Plan for water temperature, not for air temperature. Cause if you do end up in the water, you wanna make sure you’re safe for that environment not just for the outside. But it’s just, have a lifejacket and make sure you’re aware of what could happen,” Dellinger said.

Dellinger said people should create a plan and communicate with others about what time they are going to leave and when they’re coming back. 

But smaller lakes and ponds will have stronger ice due to less wind, causing water to freeze more quickly.