DELTA COUNTY -- The first ice rescue of the year in Little Bay de Noc near Gladstone ended without serious injury, with the angler being treated for mild hypothermia.

But authorities want to let anglers know ice conditions are unpredictable and dangerous in some areas of the Bay.  There are some tips anglers should know before heading out to fish.  What may be eight inches thick in one spot might be only a couple inches thick a few yards away.

Officials say the ice conditions are unpredictable, especially with recent rains and changing weather.  Areas like the coal docks in Gladstone, where the recent ice rescue occurred, are considered dangerous.  That's because ships have been coming in and out, causing open water channels.

"We always have various ice conditions out on the Bay, whether it be on Saunders Point or the mouths of rivers; it's just different in different spots," explained Director Paul Geyer of Gladstone Public Safety.

Those with Delta County Search and Rescue say it's not uncommon to have people fall through the ice this time of year, since the ice is still forming.

If you find yourself in open water, there are a few things to remember.

"The first thing they should do is not to panic," said Deputy Sheriff, Mike Groleau.  "The next thing they should do is try to get back to the ice they just had come off of because that's going to be thick enough to support their weight.  Distribute the weight more evenly over the ice, spread out."

And certain items can also help you in an emergency situation.

"Wear a personal floatation device, carry a set of ice picks, carry a throw rope," Geyer said.  "And carry your cell phone, you know, just use basic common sense."

Authorities want to also remind anglers to always be aware of conditions out on the ice before heading out, and to try to never venture out on the ice alone.