Behaviour tips when entering black ice
Black ice is beautiful, but also deceptive
The municipalities urge caution and stress that entering the lakes in the Engadin is at your own risk.
If you still want to experience the fascinating natural spectacle of black ice in all its facets, you should observe the following principles:
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Never enter the ice surface alone.
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Avoid fractures and milky areas as well as points of influence, flow and run-off.
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Determine the thickness of the ice cover by looking for cracks in the ice or by drilling test holes with an ice pick.
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Only enter the lakes in good light conditions.
What should you do if ice breaks in? React correctly:
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Keep calm.
Spread out your arms and try to crawl up onto the ice - back in the direction you came from. -
If the ice is not stable, break it away with your elbows until you reach a stable spot.
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As soon as you are back on the ice, crawl further away from the collapse, initially lying on your stomach.
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Helpers should approach the casualty carefully on their stomachs, paying particular attention to their own safety, and try to pass ski poles, rescue poles, a lifebuoy or a rope (rescue equipment is sometimes available on the shore).
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Passers-by should alert the rescue services immediately: Tel. 117.
