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Ice Safety: Winter's on its way!
Depending on where you live that could mean that ice is starting to form on nearby rivers, ponds, and lakes.. But that ice is thin and very dangerous.
Stay Off, Stay Safe
 Fall and spring are VERY dangerous times to be out on the ice. Whether it's a lake, river, or pond, chances are that even though it looks like you could go out and walk on the ice safely, you can't The ice isn't thick enough to support your weight, and you could fall through.
How Do You Know When It's Safe?
- It's impossible to judge the strength of ice by its appearance, thickness, daily temperature, or snow cover alone. Ice strength is also dependent on water depth under the ice, the size of the body of water, and water currents under the ice.
 Ice is inconsistent. What's safe in one area, can be hazardous in another.
- Never go out on untested ice.
- Wait until a responsible adult has determined that the ice is completely safe to travel on. An adult should be with you anytime you walk, ski, or play on a frozen body of water.
Let's Go Tobogganing!
- Sounds like fun! Just make sure you choose a hill that doesn't lead to a river, pond, or lake. If it does, wait until a responsible adult says that the ice is thick enough for you to safely do so.
 Even then, you should wait until the area is well traveled.
- Remember, adult supervision is necessary when tobogganing near frozen bodies of water.
- Never toboggan alone. If you get into trouble or have an accident, you will need someone to get you help.
Conditions To Be Aware Of:
- Ice flows are extremely dangerous. Don't play near them, as the flow could easily break free, and sweep you away.
 Stay off the ice after periods of warm weather. All it takes is a couple of days of temperatures near freezing, to make the ice unsafe once again.
- Be extra cautious around culverts, or where two bodies of water meet, as the ice may be much thinner there.
- Open water means very thin ice. Don't go anywhere near these areas.
WHEN IN DOUBT, DON'T GO OUT!
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