Brandon Elliott has gone viral after posting a dramatic safety demonstration in Canada on Instagram under fullsend_angling.

In the clip, Elliott deliberately chopped around himself with a spud bar while standing on just two inches of early ice, showing how quickly one can become surrounded by open water. He emphasized that panic is the “real killer” and urged viewers to carry safety gear, remain calm, and familiarize themselves with proper survival techniques.

Wearing flotation bibs but without ice picks, Elliott admitted the oversight could have been life-threatening in a real situation. The video has drawn 325,000 views, serving as both entertainment and an educational reminder that early ice demands caution.

Today’s video is entertainment for some, educational for others.
I went out on 2 inches of early ice and purposely chopped around myself with a spud bar.

This is how fast things can go wrong. Once you’re surrounded by open water, panic is the real killer!

I’m wearing my @clamoutdoors flotation bibs, but that only buys you time. Your ability to stay calm, and knowledge/technique is what is going to save you. Stay calm, control your breathing, kick hard, get horizontal, and work your way back onto the ice you came from.

I made a mistake today, I forgot my ice picks. In a real situation, that could be the difference between pulling yourself out in seconds or fighting for your life with cold, numb hands. I typically don’t ever step on early ice without them.

Carry your safety gear, go with a buddy, bring a spud bar, check every couple steps, and never assume it’s safe just because someone else walked on it.

Early ice is here! Stay safe out there folks!❄️