First of all....thanks for all the safety tips, been ice fishing for 40 years and picked up some good things. One thing I learned when I was in grade school. is to never cross the ice without carrying a long and strong stick. The Pole, the Dowel, the Broomstick or what ever could not only keep you from submerging over your dome, it can maybe keep you from falling through beyond your waist, by catching the ice and giving more area to support your weight. Mount a metal chisel on one end for a combo spud that doesn't weigh 15 pounds.     Like Red Green says...."keep your stick on the ice"   :}