What makes it safe is the assumption that when you fall, it's not a big deal when you are prepared.
If you have been swimming in ice-water, you already know that you survive several minutes without a problem. Ice claws hanging from a neck strap make it easy to crawl into safety. You have dry clothes in watertight container in you backpack if you are far away from warmth, of course.
I was expecting something fancy compared to the barn spikes I carry on the ice with a name like ice claws, but nope they are basically the same damn thing.
If you have been swimming in ice-water, you already know that you survive several minutes without a problem. Ice claws hanging from a neck strap make it easy to crawl into safety. You have dry clothes in watertight container in you backpack if you are far away from warmth, of course.