Some general guidelines can be found at the Ohio Department of Natural Resource website. It is recommended that there is at least 4" of clear ice on the lake before walking on the Ice. This can take several days of very cold weather to happen. Be careful if we have warmer days as the ice does melt from the bottom up and can be thinner after just a few days of warm weather. Vehicles are not permitted out on Springfield Lake so you will need to walk on foot if the ice is thick enough. If you do plan to fish out on the ice, make sure you have a Personal Floatation Device. It would be safest to head out in a pair and never go out onto the ice by yourself.
Be aware others who have been out there fishing may not have covered their holes, so always watch your step. Most ice rescue incidents involve someone who has fallen through the ice because it is warming up and the ice is not as thick as they thought. A lot of times the ice will continue to break as the victim attempts to climb out. While easier said than done, here's what you should do if someone you're with falls through the ice.
Try to remain calm and do not panic. Do your best to get off the ice or away from where the ice broke and try to keep eye contact with the victim and keep them calm. The link below expands on the principles of Reach, Throw Row, Go for water rescue. Call 911 as soon as possible or have someone else do so, follow the dispatcher's instructions and answer the questions as best as you can. When Fire Crews arrive on scene they will ask where you last saw the victim. Give them the best description you can. Keep in contact with the victim and keep them awake and talking, if you try to pull them out without proper equipment you may become a victim yourself.
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