What is a general guideline for ice safety?

Thin ice is not safe because it lacks the necessary strength to support weight. Ice safety guidelines strongly emphasize that ice must be thick enough to support both the snowmobile and its rider; otherwise, it poses a significant risk of breaking through. Generally, ice needs to be at least 4 inches thick for snowmobiles to travel safely. The misconception that thin ice can ever be relied upon is misleading and dangerous; even small variations in thickness can make a critical difference in its load-bearing capacity.

The other options reflect a misunderstanding of ice safety principles. Trusting ice based on any characteristic, such as thickness or seasonal changes, disregards the critical evaluation needed to determine ice strength. Ice conditions can vary greatly, even within small areas, due to factors such as water currents, air temperature, and snow cover. Therefore, it's essential to assess the ice's thickness and overall condition before venturing onto it, making the guideline that thin ice is never safe a crucial aspect of winter safety practices.