I agree. "If" we go out we will all have floatation. My Arctic Armour suit that can float 500 lbs and her in a life jacket. We have 6 sleds and 3 shanties that we can keep heated for 8-10 hours at 80 degrees if we want to... Each sled has 50' throw ropes at the ready and each shanty has dry bags with extra clothes should someone get wet. We carry 6 waterproof two-way radios with emergency beacons and 5 GPS . All sled drivers are independent and have GPS coordinates as to the put-in with location service to get back in the event of being separated (which should never happen) or in a complete white-out or after dark retreat.

Unless someone goes through the ice and disappears under it (which can happen) our risk is managed. Not eliminated by any means, by "managed." We won't go past a shove with my daughter and we will fish close enough to others (pack) to be seen and get help.

When I'm alone or with a group of guys we will move away and trail blaze to find the fish.

I'm not defending myself as much as letting you know that I've thought through all of this and may still not go out if I'm worried about wind or ice movement. I know exactly what I would be telling someone who said that they where taking a young person out on the ice. I would be saying exactly what everyone in here is saying and thinking.

My daughter has been swimming for 4 years and is currently trying out for a swim team. With all her gear on that matters very little, I know. But she understands that she needs to stay calm and that it would be freezing cold and what she needs to do if something should happen.

So my question for those who think I'm a terrible father... What age is "appropriate?" She is probably more well prepared than a lot of 12-14 year old boys that go out with their dads without flotation, and without communication devices and on 4-wheelers with no throw ropes.