Almost another ice tragedy

[bulletbob]

Hope all 3 are OK now , and just so sad about the 2 teenagers that died in the other incidents ...

I went through once in a small pond many decades ago. I was maybe 11 or 12.. I was alone, and was ice skating -not fishing... No one else around.. Went through instantly upon hitting a soft spot.. I only went through to about chest level, and had to pretty much break my way back to shore, maybe 75 feet or so.. I am forever thankful to Almighty God that I was able to make it home that day, soaked, filthy, freezing but alive.. Well over 50 years now, and its burned into my mind.. I NEVER went ice fishing in my life. and never tried walking over any ice on any lake, pond or river again.. Go through just once, watch your life flash before you as you struggle to right yourself, and you will understand why I would rather sit in front of the wood stove than go ice fishing.. btw, I always wear my PFD as well in open water on a boat, even in 90 degree weather... bob