Mother’s Day is finally here! As the day is quickly approaching, many are doing some last-minute shopping for a mom in their life who loves the lake. But just because you procrastinated your shopping doesn’t mean you can’t find a special gift! Whether she loves sitting by the lake with a book, fishing, or hiking, we’ve got you covered with these lake-inspired gifts for Mother’s Day.
Throughout the year, many moms are always on the go. The lake is their sacred spot to relax and get away from all the hustle and bustle. For those who simply enjoy lounging around at the lake and taking some me-time, get them some cute casual clothes. This “Lake Mom” shirt pairs perfectly with jeans, sneakers, or a pair of sweatpants.
If the mom in your life loves exploring nature and is always up for a hiking adventure, get her a gift that’s perfect for the outdoorsy-life. This heat mapping watch from Suunto is a wilderness must-have. It pairs with Google’s WearOS to show you the most popular routes on your hiking path. That way, if she’s ever unsure of what trail to take, this watch will be her guide. Plus, its sleek high-tech look will complement her hiking ensemble. While this gift is on the pricier side, it’s definitely worth it.
Cue up the song “Boat Drinks” by Jimmy Buffett! For the mom in your life who’s always got a beverage in hand while going boating, invest in one of these drink tumblers. The SNOWFOX Vacuum Insulated rocks glass is excellent for any wine, cocktail, or small beer. With double-walled insulation, your drinks will stay cooler for longer. Perfect for long, summer days lounging on a boat!
Summer and fishing season is coming up very soon! If the mom in your life is happiest in a canoe waiting to reel in a fish, get her a gift she can actually use on the water. However, baits, hooks, and other fishing gear will fade with time. Instead, get her the gift that keeps on giving — a subscription. Lucky Tackle Box delivers baits and hooks monthly to your door. Each box comes with 7-14 baits, lures, and an educational magazine!
Nothing says hygge — the Danish concept of cozy comfort — quite like a candle at the lake. A scented candle can enhance the peaceful ambiance that a lake home already embodies. Plus, a natural scent specifically is in keeping with the indoor decorating trend of bringing the outdoors in. For moms who are all about making their lake home as comfy, stress-free, and welcoming as possible, these candles are perfect. You can also personalize this gift with a handwritten note on the packaging!
From our lake home to yours, we wish you all a Happy Mother’s Day!
One of the biggest threats to the homeostasis of aquatic life on the lake is invasive plants. A classic example is algae blooms, which spread a thin layer across the water’s surface, blocking sunlight from the rest of the ecosystem underneath. These species spread rapidly, posing a threat to the biodiversity of native plants. However, not all lake plants pose a threat to marine life. Today, we’re taking a look at non-invasive plants that help foster a clean, healthy lake environment
Sometimes referred to as “hornwart,” the coontail is a small dark green plant with fan-shaped leaves. This submerged perennial provides an excellent source of food for turtles, waterfowl, snails, and carp. It’s also a hiding place for smaller organisms looking to protect themselves from prey. Because coontail absorbs nutrients from the water, this plant helps to improve water clarity at your lake. Although its clingy nature makes the plant annoying for boats, it provides a host of benefits for a lake ecosystem.
The common waterweed is characterized by dark green branched leaves. Like the coontail, it grows entirely underwater and serves as a source of food and habitat for aquatic life. This submerged plant is also a source of oxygen for your lake’s ecosystem, which requires oxygen from plants to survive. Besides its functionality, the common waterweed also adds aesthetic appeal to the lake environment.
Like the name suggests, the clasping-leaf pondweed features wide, oval leaves that “clasp” the stem of the plant. Although it’s typically non-invasive in the wild, it is important to note that in enclosed aquariums and ponds, this plant can become invasive when no other aquatic plants are present. In a larger body of water such as a lake, the entire plant is a nutritious source of food for waterfowl, insect larvae, and fish.
Contrary to its name, the water marigold is not a marigold after all. In fact, it’s in the buttercup family. But unlike your typical mental image of a buttercup, this non-invasive plant grows in wet places such as marshes, swamps, and lakes. These small flowers grow in clusters, providing ornamental beauty to any lake environment. Just be sure not to confuse the water marigold with the non-native invasive Lesser Celandine. While the latter tends to have 8+ leaves, the water marigold has 4-5.
The pickerelweed is a shallow, freshwater aquatic plant that blooms from June to November. While it stretches up to 3-4 feet tall, half of this plant is underwater. Above the water’s surface, the plant’s flowers attract bees, butterflies, and dragonflies which eat mosquito larvae. It also provides a helpful shelter for birds, fish, and frogs.
This slender plant with gorgeous pink flowers adds both beauty and benefit to any lake environment. Standing about 2-6 feet high, these plants tend to bloom over the summer in swamps and along other wet shorelines like lakes. Besides providing aesthetic appeal, these plants also offer food for butterflies, particularly monarchs.
If you see any of these plants growing in your lake area, take a moment to stop and appreciate the added benefit to your lake ecosystem!
With high demand and low supply, selling your lake home might seem like the right move, but is it? Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, gives reasons why you may want to reconsider letting go of your lake property now.
Lake Life Matters: If you love the lake lifestyle, life is too short not to enjoy it. Spend time making memories on the lake of your dreams.
Where Do We Go?: When your lake home is your primary residence, it can be daunting to find a new place to live. It could mean it’s time to make your lake home, your permanent home.
Money Does Not Matter: Even though we are currently in a seller’s market, if you’re in a stable financial situation, the money may not matter. The value of life at the lake may overshine the money you’d make from your home now.
Don’t let the lake life you love pass you by if you’re not ready to let it go. Take some time to enjoy your lake home before you put it on the market!
If you’re a lake homeowner and angler, chances are, you know your lake very well. You know exactly what time to wake up to get on the water, you know what times the fish are biting, and you know what sloughs to try for good luck. However, when you’re exploring a new lake for the first time, you might feel uncertain. How do you know where to start? Whether it’s a large or small lake, the same rules tend to apply for fishing in new water.
Before you arrive, learn as much about the lake as you can! The internet is a wealth of knowledge with maps of topography, online resources, and blog posts. Additionally, there are plenty of videos (like this one for Lake of the Ozarks) of anglers who are familiar with your lake area. Locally, you can also gather intel from your neighborhood bait shop or other community lake resources.
Without knowing a new lake, you can rely on the general rules of seasonality and temperature, which play a huge role in the location of fish — no matter the lake! It’s important to consider both factors, as they intersect with one another. In winter, fish seek out the warmest waters available. Due to lake stratification, the warmest spot on cold days is at the bottom of the water. However, if there’s a spike in temperature, they’ll swim toward the center of the lake. In spring and summertime, it’s best not to fish in deep water, when instead, fish will be spawning in shallower areas.
The best anglers know that these rules about seasonality are simply guiding principles, rather than infallible truths. It’s just as important to keep a keen eye on the micro-changes in the environment — the day-to-day differences on the lake. For instance, if you’re in a heatwave but there’s a sudden cloudy day, fish will take the opportunity to feed, which in turn is an excellent opportunity for you to fish. Micro-changes also include adjustments in water level. For instance, when water levels rise, fish gravitate closer to the shallow shoreline waters.
On any lake, a crucial part of fishing is knowing which bait to use. On an unfamiliar lake, the best way to gauge this is by observing the baitfish that your target is already chasing after. Have you noticed a group of minnows around the dock? Or white suckers swarming in one particular slough? These observations clue you into what your target fish is after, and you can choose similar bait that will lure them in.
When fishing in new water, many anglers make the common mistake of stopping at one intriguing area of the lake. They see a slough they like, turn off the motor, and stay there. However, there are many benefits to surveying a larger portion of the lake first! This tactic will help you understand the lake on a holistic level, learn the ideal hiding spots for fish, and ultimately improve your ability to understand quickly and fish on a new lake.
We hope these tips help you reel in more fish as you explore your next lake area!
If your lake home kitchen is begging for a refresh this year, read on and enjoy. Today, we’ve tapped into top talent Matthew Quinn, a leading expert in kitchen, bath, and product design, to get his take on what’s hot in 2022.
Author of Volumes One and Two of his book series, Quintessential Kitchens and Quintessential Kitchens and Spaces, Matthew is a principal of the Atlanta and Nashville-based Design Galleria Kitchen and Bath Studio and founder of the Matthew Quinn Collection, a luxury kitchen, bath, and architectural hardware showroom that blends the best of today’s products with his own expanding lines of kitchen, bath, and closet product designs.
The recipient of numerous national design awards, Matthew’s designs have been published in magazines and books, including House Beautiful, Architectural Digest, Traditional Home, Elle Décor, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, Luxe, and Veranda.
Matthew is also a passionate lake homeowner who knows first-hand what it takes to create fresh, functional, and beautiful spaces that make lake living a breeze—especially in the kitchen. Here are his top 7 kitchen trends for 2022.
“A larger version of the walk-in pantry, these hardworking spaces feature deep countertops for all the small appliances that can be plugged in and used right there,” explains Matthew. “A sink, microwave, and sometimes an additional oven and refrigerator are popular add-ons for this highly functional and versatile kitchen space,” he adds. “These are especially perfect for lake houses, so your coffee maker, toaster, and other self-serve items are easily accessible and out of the way of the chef making pancakes in the main kitchen area.”
For this sleek working pantry, Matthew used dark ebony flooring against contrasting glossy white cabinetry and contemporary pendant lights overhead. Glass-front cabinets showcase beautiful dishware and serving pieces that connect to the overall color palette.
“When designing or renovating your kitchen, keep in mind that all the features of a traditional city kitchen can easily be translated to the comforts of your lake home,” notes Matthew.
Handmade Tile Backsplashes
Matthew Quinn’s lake house kitchen. Photo courtesy of Emily Followill
“I love the perfect-imperfect aesthetic of handmade tile,” says Matthew. “The more uneven edges and undulating surfaces, the better,” he adds. “This look is especially ideal if you’re wanting a relaxed yet sophisticated lake home vibe.”
Create unique looks to suit any taste using oversized rectangles or even 4-inch square tiles. Depending on your style, you can incorporate a wide range of complementary hues to design eye-catching patterns or simply select one color for harmonious continuity.
“I love using a honed countertop with a glossy handmade tile and letting candlelight reflect on the tile—similar to what you see when the moon reflects on the water,” sums Matthew.
“Antique finishes are warm, inviting, and casual,” says Matthew, “and they also represent a relaxed lifestyle. You can even mix them with more lustrous contemporary surfaces to introduce a charming vintage feel in your kitchen,” he notes.
Here, an otherwise modern kitchen gets a hint of antique-like patina via a brass-topped pub-style table that connects visually to an antique brass and stainless-steel hood over the stovetop. “Lake homes are all about entertaining with effortless ease,” says Matthew. “When you’re at the lake, having to maintain or worry about polished finishes should not be a priority or an item on your to-do list,” he laughs.
“Microwaves are becoming a thing of the past,” says Matthew. “These days, single-serve coffeemakers are the norm, so there is no reason to reheat coffee—and popcorn is mostly bought in bags in the chips aisle,” he adds. “Enter steam ovens. This innovative appliance will reheat your food as if you just made it fresh and cook just about anything else perfectly with healthier results,” he adds.
Steam ovens maintain more nutrients in your food, cook more evenly, and eliminate the need for oil. They look just as sleek as other built-ins, so no worries that your steam oven will appear cumbersome, even in a smaller lake home. And if you still insist on having a microwave, simply stack both for an elegant, uniform look that will bring more versatility to your kitchen.
“Vertical and horizontal wall planking has been the rage for many years—especially in lake houses,” says Matthew. “Now, designers are pushing the envelope with cabinetry, walls, and entire rooms outfitted in fluted, ribbed, and square-beaded facings. It looks amazing—like these high-gloss fluted butler’s pantry cabinets. But be careful with fluted or ribbed walls, as art can be difficult to hang,” he cautions.
“I have never before seen technology in lighting move so quickly,” says Matthew. “LED strips and accent lighting are becoming smaller and smaller, making the source of the light almost unnoticeable. We are installing them everywhere—under each stair tread, under the toe-kicks of bathroom cabinets, under beds for night lights with motion sensors that turn on when you get out of bed, and, of course, in ceilings, outdoor kitchens, and open shelves,” he sums.
These high-tech lights offer lake homeowners endless opportunities to install wherever you like—especially in the kitchen. Here, soft and subtle cabinet lighting illuminates wine bottles and barware, creating a dazzling focal point when entertaining family and guests.
“At no time in my career have I seen such enthusiasm to use lots of color in the kitchen—from cabinets to ranges to countertops,” says Matthew. “Although white will always be classic, it is now considered too safe. Clients are wanting to make this highly visible and most-used space all about their personalities and not about the marketability of selling the house later. And at the lake, there is no better inspiration for color than looking out the window to all the colors outside,” he adds.
For this kitchen, orange is the superstar, even though used sparingly. Just small pops of vibrant color—a La Cornue range, orange throw, and orange-trimmed upholstered banquette—are all it takes to create dynamic visual impact and personalize this most beloved space.
If you’re interested in working with Matthew on your own dream kitchen, click here. From all of us at Lake Homes, here’s wishing you a blissful 2022 at the lake—cheers!
Released in early December 2021, Pantone’s highly anticipated Color of the Year 2022, Very Peri, “is a symbol of the global zeitgeist of the moment and the transition we are going through,” say the experts at the esteemed Pantone Color Institute.
“As we move into a world of unprecedented change, the selection of PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri brings a novel perspective and vision of the trusted and beloved blue color family, encompassing the qualities of the blues,” says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Yet at the same time with its violet-red undertone, PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri displays a spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expressions.”
Impossible to ignore, this captivating blue hue most certainly captures our attention as well as our creative spirit. So, how do we introduce this curious color to our lake homes? Whether you want to make a big splash, or apply little pops of color throughout your rooms, here are some ideas to inspire you—and perhaps tempt you to break out your creative paintbrush.
To help you use this wonderful new shade in your home, Pantone has created four unique color palettes intended to work in harmony with Very Peri. “Each palette conveys a different mood, illustrating PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri’s versatility,” say the color experts. “Each palette additionally features three suggested color combinations integrating PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri.”
Choose from the subtle tones of Balancing Act, the nature-infused greens of Wellspring, the classic neutrals of The Star of the Show, or the whimsical color bursts of Amusements when designing the perfect palette to reflect your personal taste.
“The Pantone Color of the Year reflects what is taking place in our global culture, expressing what people are looking for that color can hope to answer,” says Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute. “Creating a new color for the first time in the history of our Pantone Color of the Year educational color program reflects the global innovation and transformation taking place. As society continues to recognize color as a critical form of communication and a way to express and affect ideas and emotions and engage and connect, the complexity of this new red violet-infused blue hue highlights the expansive possibilities that lay before us,” she notes.
Want just a splash of Very Peri without committing to an entire room? Instead, paint an accent wall that will instantly liven up your space and truly immerse you in this vibrant hue. Amplifying just one wall is an ideal way to add color to your room without going too bold. In addition, your decorative furnishings—artwork, lighting, furniture, and collections—will suddenly pop if you use contrasting or complementary colors like white, black, neutrals, and varying shades of blue.
Combine this powerful periwinkle hue with bright orange for a dazzling and unexpected WOW factor in the kitchen. Here, streamlined cabinetry, contemporary furnishings, and sleek accents lend themselves to this ultra-modern aesthetic.
Freshen up your lake house bathroom with this pretty periwinkle shade. Combine with visually impactful embellishments like a patterned shower curtain and some new towels in a vibrant complementary color—try citrine or spring green—to give your bathroom a dose of cottage charm.
Use this irresistible periwinkle tone as your foundation shade for a layering of sophisticated blue hues. But this time, take it all the way to the ceiling, wrapping your entire room in this soothing and mesmerizing color. Here, the harmonious mix of blues works to unify the space and blend the whimsical fusion of design styles.
“Displaying a carefree confidence and a daring curiosity that animates our creative spirit, inquisitive and intriguing PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri helps us to embrace this altered landscape of possibilities, opening us up to a new vision as we rewrite our lives,” say the Pantone color experts. “Rekindling gratitude for some of the qualities that blue represents complemented by a new perspective that resonates today, PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri places the future ahead in a new light.”
So, start dreaming now and infuse a bit of this delicious hue into your lake home spaces. The palette possibilities are virtually limitless, with an endless array of color combinations. From all of us at Lake Homes Lifestyles—may your 2022 be filled with joyful color!
Even as temperatures plummet, there’s still lots to love about winter at the lake. Whether it’s spending evenings by the fire, watching movies with friends, or savoring the sweet aromas of holiday baking wafting from the kitchen, there’s always something innately soothing about the cozy comforts of hearth and home.
Our desire to retreat indoors when the weather turns cold and cocoon ourselves in softness and warmth is perhaps one of the most essential elements of our well-being. We all know the feeling—so how can we bring more of that wonderfully calm and relaxed vibe into our lake homes? Here are some easy tips you can apply to any room in your house to instantly generate a sense of coziness that even your guests will notice.
The first step? Rethink your furniture arrangement, especially if you have a fireplace. Begin by pulling everything inward—closer to the fire—to create a relaxing and intimate oasis that immediately draws people in. If your sofa doesn’t face the fireplace already, move it either directly in front or perpendicular to the hearth so you and your guests can bask in the warmth and ambient glow of firelight. Pull in armchairs for extra seating that complements your new sofa arrangement and accent with occasional tables so that every seat has a surface within reach to hold drinks and snacks.
Nothing speaks of toasty winter warmth like plush throws, pillows, blankets, and rugs. Use them in abundance throughout your rooms, and layer them to your heart’s content to design lavish texture vignettes that comfort and invite. Toss a fluffy sheepskin rug on the floor or atop a leather bench or ottoman to create cozy areas for morning coffee and evening cocktails. Drape smaller pelts over benches and dining chairs for added cushion and warmth. Pile pillows high with a mix of cable knits, faux furs, and other snuggly-soft fabrics, and keep enough blankets on hand for family and guests to stave off winter’s chill.
Quick Tip:When layering, make sure your soft goods adhere to a harmonious color scheme to ensure eye-pleasing continuity throughout.
For instant gratification that requires little effort on your part, there’s nothing like the allure of candlelight to generate an instant cozy vibe. If you’re a scented candle connoisseur, even better. A seasonal fragrance—think cinnamon, clove, spiced apple, bourbon-vanilla, birchwood, pine—can lift your spirits and transform the mood of your spaces with the strike of a match.
Battery-operated candles offer a safe, mess-free option, and some come with timers so you can walk away and forget about them. For a more casual, Bohemian-chic look, string lights can illuminate windows, ceilings, and even artwork for an extra glint of glamor. And lastly, be sure to limit cold-temperature lights throughout your lake home and install warm light bulbs instead. Click here to learn more about lighting temperatures.
Celebrate the beauty of nature and bring it indoors. Despite frigid temps, this spectacular outdoor space blends seamlessly with the frosty winter landscape and exudes an enchanting sense of warmth and charm. Take inspiration from the simplicity of its design and bring similar elements inside your home to warm up your rooms. Think pine branches and pinecones to adorn a table setting or stunning potted plants and floral bouquets to integrate splashes of green, pink, red, or white into your winter décor. No matter the season, the simple beauty of nature is at once tranquil, lively, and uplifting.
Don’t forget your bedrooms when cozying up your lake home this winter. Swapping out your bedding is the quickest way to make a seasonal statement, and it doesn’t have to be costly. Adding colorful quilts or coverlets can transform your bedrooms in an instant and create that snug winter feel that you—and your houseguests—will love sinking into at night. Rich reds—solids, stripes, and plaids—generate a warm vibe and wrap the room in luxurious comfort. If color isn’t your thing, layer your bed with an ethereal mix of soft whites, creams, grays, taupes, and browns in a heavenly blend of cottons, cable knits, faux furs, and fleece. A plush, neutral-hued rug underfoot will add extra warmth and ground the vibrant color palette.
When the hearth takes the spotlight in winter, now’s the perfect time to give your mantel an alluring new look. Dress it up with a large mirror overhead that reflects the light—both sunlight and candlelight—and creates a high-impact focal point for your seating area. Here, a fresh green garland and a sprinkling of candles bring effortless elegance to the rustic, rough-hewn plank walls and the decidedly masculine style of the space. Wrought-iron deer figurines and fireplace tools create a sculptural design and echo the mirror’s black metal frame. Remember to keep it simple and achieve a pleasing balance with both elements from nature and meaningful decorative accents that add visual beauty to your space.
In the middle of winter, the last activity on most of our minds is diving headfirst into a freezing lake. However, thousands of people do it every year. If you aren’t familiar, a polar plunge is a winter event in which a crowd of people jumps into a cold body of water. Typically, polar plunges take place to benefit a charity of some kind, such as the Special Olympics. Beginning in 1904 with the first recorded polar plunge in Boston, these events have been popular for over 100 years. In 2021, there’s no sign that the enthusiasm is dying down. Check out these upcoming polar plunges in our lake areas!
Looking for a unique way to ring in the new year? Start off 2022 with the Lake George Polar Plunge. For this annual tradition, over a thousand people gather at Shepard Park Beach and dive into the freezing New York waters of Lake George. Due to the northern climate, in some years, there’s been a thin layer of ice that participants need to swim through. Be sure to bring your own towel and fresh set of warm clothes!
Chicago is known for its thriving comedy scene, deep dish pizza, and loyal sports fans. But one of its main features is the incomparable Lake Michigan. On March 6th, 2022, this city will host its annual Chicago Polar Plunge where brave plungers will dive into the cold Lake Michigan waters to support the thousands of Special Olympians who compete each year in the city. In past years, celebrities like Jimmy Fallon and Lady Gaga have taken the plunge here too!
Although Lake of the Ozarks is most famous for Party Cove, crowds of people in this lake area are doing more than drinking on boats. They’re also diving into cold water for charity! This lake’s 2022 polar plunge will take place on February 26th to benefit Special Olympics Missouri. To make things more fun, this event will be complete with music and fun costumes. Not yet comfortable in crowds after the pandemic? There’s also an at-home option where you can participate by jumping in a cold shower, kiddie pool, or any other body of water that’ll have you shivering!
One of the country’s most long standing polar plunge traditions takes place on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, near Lake Ogleton. For the past 25 years, thousands of attendees have dove into these waters to support the Special Olympics athletes of Maryland. But if you thought jumping into cold water once was enough, you’ll be amazed by the Super Plungers who do it 24 times in 24 hours! The Maryland Polar Plunge even has specific dates for various groups of plungers such as teachers, police officers, and corporate employees.
Even though the water is a little warmer down south, there’s still a lot of bravery required to plunge into the waters of Lake Acworth, Georgia. On February 19th, 2022 these plungers will take the dive to support Special Olympics Georgia. Stay after the event for live music, food, and prizes. If you’re looking for a polar plunge event in a more remote lake area without huge crowds, this one is perfect.
All across the country, lake lovers are taking the dive this winter! If you can relate to the lyric from Frozen “The cold never bothered me anyway” chances are, you could be one of them. We hope you have a (n)ice event!
From ice fishing to reading by the fire, a wealth of winter activities are at your fingertips when you live on the lake. For those who can brave the cold, ice skating, ice fishing, and snowmobiling on a frozen lake are popular activities. What could be more picturesque than skating across a frozen pond in the frosty air? However, unlike indoor, man-made ice rinks with a verified solid surface, skating on a frozen lake is more risky and requires self-inspection. How can you know if a lake is safe for skating? The answer depends on a variety of factors, not one in particular.
As soon as freezing temperatures hit your lake area, the surface of the water may begin to freeze. However, the solid layer of ice doesn’t mean it’s time to bust out the skates. Several other factors, such as wind and water currents, can make a big difference in the water’s integrity. Before stepping on the ice, it’s a smart idea to wait a few weeks until temperatures have stabilized. This way, the water has more time to freeze through completely! For this reason, you never want to step on the ice too early or too late in the season, when things are just freezing or just thawing.
When looking up close at the ice, do you notice any cracks, bubbles, or other ruptures in the ice? If so, it’s best to stay on your shoreline. Although it may seem counterintuitive, new ice is much stronger than old ice. With old ice, fluctuations in temperature can cause it to re-freeze, which compromises its integrity. The refreezing process causes these bubbles and cracks that weaken the ice. If you aren’t certain about the ice, another visualization check is color. Solid blue ice is much more durable than a layer of white ice. A memorable rhyme that can help: “Thick and blue, tried and true. Thin and crispy, way too risky.”
You’ve probably heard the saying “you’re walking on thin ice” as a warning that if you proceed, things could go wrong at any moment. Taken literally, this phrase describes the precariousness of a frozen pond. When ice is thicker, it’s more stable and safer for winter activities. From visual observation, it’s difficult to determine how thick the ice is. So, you’ll need tools such as an ice auger used for ice fishing to drill or cut samples. In general, less than 3 inches of thickness is too thin unless you’re a child or small animal. To stay safe, don’t venture out onto ice unless it’s 6-8 inches thick.
What Body of Water Is It?
Photo courtesy of Camille Smith
When it comes to determining ice safety, the type of water body is an important consideration. There’s a big difference between stepping onto a large, frozen lake versus a small pond in your backyard. As a principle, larger bodies of water take longer to freeze than smaller ones, so proceed with caution on lakes. Also consider whether it’s a freshwater or saltwater lake, as saltwater freezes with less integrity than freshwater. When in doubt, talk to other locals who have lived in the area through many winters. Chances are, they’ll be able to give you helpful tips for staying safe on the lake! You can also opt for bodies of water that are regulated by a designated authority or government official, such as a national park or resort. This way, you’ll have a third party to give you the green light!
Overall, it’s important to remember that no ice is completely safe. Because water doesn’t freeze uniformly, there might always be unforeseen areas of danger on your frozen lake or pond. But with these tips in mind, you can enjoy the ice with as much precaution as possible!
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