Fishing, hunting, mountaineering, Ice skating, etc.

You're out on the ice and suddenly it gives way. You are in the water. 9/10 of your body is below the ice level. The water on your arms and fingers acts like a lubricant and you have no traction. Your clothes and boots are pulling you down. You are all alone. WHAT DO YOU DO?

It's a scary thought and these might save your life.

From what I gather what most people do is wear these under your shirt or jacket and around your neck. If you go through, you grab them and thrust them into the ice. This allows you to pull yourself out. Now you have to worry about hypothermia, but you are still alive!