Provided by Prince William County Fire & Rescue System
Our area rarely produces ice of the quality and thickness necessary for safe outdoor recreation. Ice
that is formed during a continuous, hard freeze typical of northern climates is much stronger than ice formed during temperatures that repeatedly fluctuate above and below the freezing mark.
Ice that forms where water levels change frequently or where the water is moving, such as storm water ponds, rivers, and streams, is especially dangerous because its thickness will vary with the conditions and may contain cracks. Areas inhabited by waterfowl, such as ducks or geese, can contain patches of very thin ice due to the birds’ swimming and feeding activities, which have kept the water “open” longer than surrounding surfaces.
Stay off the Ice! Ice can deteriorate four times faster than it forms; its suitability for recreational purposes is often overestimated. Should an individual or animal fall into icy waters, moderate to severe hypothermia can occur in less than 10 minutes. The window of opportunity for a successful rescue closes rapidly beyond that time. The primary challenge for rescuers is time.
Icy Water Safety Tips
If someone falls through the ice, you should:
1) Call 911 immediately.
2) DO NOT go onto the ice to rescue them.
3) Safely reach out to the victim by providing them with something that will help them stay afloat.
If you spot anyone out on the ice, the Prince William County Fire and Rescue System strongly encourages you to urge them to come off—it’s simply not safe. This includes animals; do not allow your animals to walk on the ice. Ice recreation is best sought on skating rinks, pavilions, or other locations specifically designed for that purpose, and not the dangerous, naturally occurring ice that forms on area waters.
