Silver Lake is Not Safe for Skating

Patch File Photo

The recent freeze may have some thinking ponds and lakes in the area are safe right now, but remember, just last week we had temperatures in the 70s. Officials are warning residents any bodies of water, including Wilmington’s Silver Lake, are not safe for recreational purposes right now.

The Wilmington Fire Department does not recommend any one venture onto the ice no matter how safe it may look.

Last year Wilmington saw record-setting cold which made the lake safe this time of year. This year that is not the case.

“This year is a change from recent years where there has been no cold temperatures to produce ice on any of the bodies of water we have in town,” says Wilmington Fire Chief Rick McClellan. “With December being the warmest on record it’s going to take a long and severe cold spell to produce ice safe enough for anyone to be on.”

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency officials are also reminding everyone, particularly children, of the dangers of unsafe ice.

“As lakes, ponds, streams and rivers throughout the Commonwealth freeze over, ice conditions may be very uncertain,” said MEMA Director Kurt Schwartzon the agency’s web page. “People may be a bit impatient to venture out on the ice for skating, hockey, ice fishing and other winter sports. We highly recommend the use of recreational skating areas provided by the Commonwealth and your local communities. It is very important to exercise precaution and common sense.”

MEMA reminds residents to always check with your local police, fire or park department to ensure safe ice conditions exist. The strength and thickness of ice should be known before any activity takes place.

Here are some tips to stay safe when out on frozen waterways:

• Never go onto the ice alone. A friend may be able to rescue you or go for help if you fall through the ice.

• Always keep your pets on a leash. If a pet falls through the ice do not attempt to rescue your pet, call 9-1-1 or go for help.

• New ice is usually stronger than old ice. As ice ages, the bond between the crystals decays, making it weaker, even if melting has not occurred.

• Beware of ice covered with snow. Snow can insulate ice and keep it strong, but can also insulate it to keep it from freezing. Snow can also hide cracks, weak and open ice.

• Slush is a danger sign, indicating that ice is no longer freezing from the bottom and can be weak or deteriorating.

• Ice formed over flowing water (rivers or lakes containing a large number of springs) is generally 15% weaker.

• Ice seldom freezes or thaws at a uniform rate. It can be one foot thick in one spot and be only a few inches thick 10 feet away.

• Reach-Throw-Go. If a companion falls through the ice and you are unable to reach that person from shore, throw them something (rope, jumper cables, tree branch, etc.). If this does not work, go for help or call 9-1-1, before you also become a victim. Get medical assistance for the victim immediately.

• If you fall in, try not to panic. Turn toward the direction from which you came. Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface, working forward by kicking your feet. Once out, remain lying on the ice (do not stand) and roll away from the hole. Crawl back to your tracks, keeping your weight distributed until you return to solid ice.

For additional information, visit the Department of Fire Services’ Ice and Cold Water Safety webpage.