Seatbelt / ROPS Using Tractor on Lake (frozen)?

[dmccarty]

Rick,

Many people don't understand the dangers of cold water. Cold water kills very fast. There is the 50/50 rule, which says if the water is 50 degrees, you are fifty yards from shore, you have a 50% chance of swimming to shore before you drown. If a person's head goes under in cold water there is a gasp response. Gasping underwater usually does not improve ones condition.

In my neck of the woods we end up with a couple drownings every year during the spring. It will be 70-80 degrees out but the water will still be in the 50's. People will end up in the water by choice or accident and dont' make it out. The bridge I drive over twice a day is on a major lake. A year or so ago a grandfather drowned under the bridge and his grandson came real close. The boy had fallen into the water trying to tie the boat to the bridge. The grandfather jumped into the water to save the boy which he did. A bank fisherman helped get the boy out of the water but could not get to the grandfather. I'm sure they cold water did them in. The gap in the causeway at that point can't be more the 25-40 yards and I'm sure they where tieing up to one of the pilings that are close to shore...

Cold water is deadly.

Later,
Dan

 

[Ken_CT]

Hope this helps,
See attachment for: Ice Strength Guidelines from CRREL
(Cold Regions Research & Engineering Lab, part of the Army Corp of Engineers)

Here is a rule of thumb for clear lake ice, river ice is about 85% as strong

2” = One person
4” = One person fishing or a group walking
5” = Snowmobile
8” = Car
12” =Light truck

P = 50 T^2 Where P=Load bearing capacity in lbs.
T=Ice thickness in inches
Example 3” ice will hold 450 lbs.