Recent warm, wet weather has made Michigan’s already thin ice dangerously thinner, prompting the U.S. Coast Guard to issue an ice safety reminder to Great Lakes residents Friday, December 23.

A common guideline for recreational ice use is at least three inches of ice to support one person and a minimum of 12 inches to support a vehicle, the Coast Guard reported.

The Coast Guard has issued the following recommendations for using ice safely once it is thick enough: Never go onto the ice alone. Always wear a life jacket; additional safety equipment includes ice picks and rope. Carry a portable marine radio; cell phones do not replace marine radios altogether, which are the most effective method for coordinating a rescue. Carry pyrotechnic distress signals such as red flares or orange smoke devices.

Last year, 79 lives were reported saved or assisted and eight lives were lost on Great Lakes ice. The Coast Guard spent more than $500,000 flying helicopters for more than 90 hours during ice rescues in 2004.