Should you create an extra escape hole when ice diving in rivers or bays with current?

• A. Escape holes must be cut in the ice when diving in a river or bay where there is a current or tidal stream.
• B. Escape holes are optional in calm water.
• C. Escape holes should never be cut.
• D. Escape holes must be left to rescue divers only.

Answer: (A)

When ice diving in flowing water, you need a reliable surface exit even if your primary hole becomes blocked or pushed out of reach. Cutting an extra escape hole provides a second, independent surface avenue to surface quickly if the current or ice shifts. This redundancy is crucial because currents can move you under or away from the main opening, slush or ice can clog the primary hole, and time is critical to surface and be rescued. By having a second hole, you maintain a safe, rapid ascent path and keep rescue operations practical for the surface team.

In calmer water, the immediate risk from currents is lower, so the requirement is not as strict, though some teams still plan for redundancy as a precaution. The idea behind not relying on a single hole is about reducing the chance of being trapped beneath ice and ensuring you can surface safely even if conditions change.