They can help a disoriented skater get a grip on the ice when he is in the water.
From the en.wikipedia.org
With them, the unfortunate skater can pull himself out of the water.
From the en.wikipedia.org
Apolo Anton Ohno, speed skater, dude, fun kid, icon, superstar of the highest water, was escorted to the top step of the podium thanks to a DQ, it is true.