The second you break through ice, your body will go into cold shock — you may gasp uncontrollably or hyperventilate. Try to stay as calm as you can and wait a few seconds for that reflex to pass. Thrashing wastes energy and makes it harder to get out.
Turn around and face the direction you came from. That ice already held your weight once, which means it’s your best shot at holding you again. Place your hands and arms up onto the unbroken surface in front of you, then start kicking your legs hard behind you — like you’re swimming. The goal is to get your body as flat and horizontal as possible, not to push yourself straight up. You’re trying to slide onto the ice, not climb a wall. If you have ice picks or anything sharp, use them to grip the ice and pull yourself forward.
Once you’ve dragged your torso up and out, don’t stand up. That’s the mistake. Standing puts all your weight on one small point, and the ice can break again. Instead, roll away from the hole. Rolling spreads your weight across a bigger surface area, which is much safer. Once you’ve rolled far enough from the hole, crawl toward solid ground.
The single most important things to remember: face the direction you came from, kick to go flat and horizontal, and roll — never walk — once you’re out.