Those who revel in outdoor sports activities such as ice fishing, backwoods hiking, skating or even snowmobiling are being warned by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to watch their step on apparently frozen ponds, lakes, streams and rivers.

The No. 1 rule in approaching such activities is to think, "No ice is safe ice," according to the department.

Especially in Southern Indiana there has been little consistent freezing this winter with temperatures holding below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Bodies of water may be coated in thin layers that will not support the weight of people. 

Department recommendations stress caution and safety for those venturing out, including basically being suspicious of all ice until tested.

Habits to adopt and follow include: Not walking on ice if the thickness is not known; leaving a note of whereabouts or destination with friends or family; use an ice augur to test ice thickness at at least four inches of depth is recommended before the spot should be used for ice fishing and five inches for snowmobile riding; wear a life jacket or flotation jacket.

If a pet or animal is spotted breaking through the ice, it is wiser to contact emergency rescue personnel than take the chance of going after it as an individual. Also, flowing water, such as that of a river or a stream, can be extra dangerous if it is moving under a layer of ice.