State officials are warning winter sports lovers to be wary of thin ice while venturing onto frozen lakes, ponds and other bodies of water.

Unusually warm temperatures mean that some popular ice fishing or skating spots are taking longer than usual to thoroughly freeze over. In southern Maine, meanwhile, the ice isn’t just thin – it’s non-existent in all but smaller ponds.

“Definitely this year is a bit different,” said Mark Latti, spokesman for the state Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, which regulates ice fishing, snowmobiling and other outdoor winter activities. “It’s just extremely unusual to be this late in the year and have absolutely no ice in southern Maine.”

Latti said late December and early January as well as March are the worst times for ice-related incidents.

Although the department does not keep exact statistics, Latti said there are dozens of instances in Maine every year in which people fall through the ice. Typically, a handful of those incidents are fatal, he said.

The department has released a list of tips for avoiding dangerous situations or recovering from a fall through the ice.

. Look for bluish ice that is at least 4 to 6 inches thick before stepping onto a frozen waterbody. Stay off if ice near the shore is cracked or squishy or if you see honeycombed features or dark ice and snow.

. Carefully check the thickness of the ice using an augur, spud or other tool. Begin at the shore and check continuously as you move out.

. Whenever possible, check the ice with a partner who can offer help during an incident. Wear a lifejacket if you are alone.

. Avoid venturing onto ice near water currents, bridges or pressure ridges.

Falling into extremely cold water can render a person unconscious in minutes, but it is important to avoid panicking or immediately reaching for the nearest ice. Instead, the department recommends reaching for solid, unbroken ice.

Lay both arms out flat on the unbroken ice and kick hard to help lift your body onto the ice. Once out of the water, roll away from the open patch of water to keep your weight distributed. Do not stand up.

To rescue someone who has fallen through ice, lay down flat on the ice and reach out to the person with a branch, rope or other implement. You can also form a human chain by laying on the ice. Once the person is out of the water, roll or wiggle away from the spot.

The American Pulpwood Association said clear, blue ice must be at least 2 inches thick to support one person walking on foot and at least 3 inches thick to support a group walking single file. Bluish ice should be at least 7.5 to 8 inches thick to support a passenger car or light truck.

For information, go to DIFW’s Web site: http://www.state.me.us/ifw/rv/snowlaws.htm