Firefighters: The only safe ice is at a skating rink

Firefighters across Massachusetts have taken to social media to warn people the ice is not safe.

The recent cold weather has caused some ponds and lakes to start to freeze over.

Too many variables... not a long enough cold stretch, currents under the water, any springs feeding the pond/lake, etc... NOT worth the risk https://t.co/KWvae76d2n
— Boston 25 Weather (@BOS25Weather) January 14, 2019

“The only safe ice is at a skating rink,” multiple fire departments warned.

Hanson Fire Department received calls as recently as Monday asking if the ice on the town’s ponds is safe.

As recently as today we have received calls regarding ice on our ponds in Town. As a reminder the only safe ice is at a...
Posted by Hanson Fire-Rescue on Monday, January 14, 2019

“The thickness of ice on ponds and lakes depends upon water currents or springs, depth and natural objects,” Hanson Fire stated. “Changes in temperature cause ice to expand and contract, which affects its strength. Because of these factors, ice cannot be called safe.”

The recent cold weather has caused some ponds and lakes to start to freeze over. Ice on moving water in rivers, and in...
Posted by Falmouth Fire/Rescue on Monday, January 14, 2019

Firefighters in Westborough rescued a 19-year-old man Monday afternoon who had fallen through the ice on Mill Pond. They were able to pull the man to shore. His condition is unknown.

Be advised it is not safe to skate on any body of water in the area. Earlier people attempted to skate on the pond at Oak Grove Cemetery and fell through the ice. Luckily they were able to pull themselves out. LoConte and Flynn Rink are the only safe places in the city to skate pic.twitter.com/dorw8dpmC8
— Medford Firefighters Local 1032 (@MedfordMAFire) January 14, 2019