The video above perfectly demonstrates how to move across a thin layer of ice on a frozen lake.
The polar bear shown in the video above first slowly and carefully lies down with its whole body on the surface of the ice so that its surface is in contact with the surface of the ice as much as possible.
The reason for this act is that when a force acts perpendicular to a surface, it exerts a pressure on that surface equal to the ratio F to A, where F is the force and A is the surface area.
The formula for pressure (p) is p = F/A.
Thus, by maximizing the total surface area in contact with the ice (A) , the pressure exerted on the thin layer of ice (P) can be successfully reduced.
Tips : The lower the surface area in contact , the higher the pressure is exerted.