Stay Off Ice On Barnegat Bay, Toms River, Fire Officials Say

TOMS RIVER, NJ — The frigid temperatures have caused local bodies of water to ice over, including the Toms River and Barnegat Bay.

That ice, as inviting as it may be, is not safe, the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention said.

With high temperatures at or below freezing for a few days days and overnight lows dropping into the single digits, ice has visibly formed in several areas, including the river around the docks in Toms River, and on Barnegat Bay.

That ice is not strong enough to hold a person, fire officials warn.

"As tempting as it may seem to step onto a frozen body of water, it can be DEADLY. Even when the ice looks solid, it can be unpredictable, and thin ice might not hold your weight. You should think twice before walking on frozen bodies of water," fire officials said in a post on the bureau's Facebook page.

The ice might not be the same thickness in every area, and "could be dangerously thin in some spots," fire officials said.

Moving water, such as the current in the Toms River and the currents in Barnegat Bay, can weaken the ice, authorities said. Changes in temperature can have a similar effect, making the ice more prone to cracking.

Snow or water on the ice can hide cracks, "creating hazards you can’t see," officials said.

The dangers posed by currents and ice on the water were part of the reasons that some organizations were expressing caution about rescuing a fox that was caught on a floating jetski dock over the weekend on Barnegat Bay. Read more: Fox Trapped On Floating Dock In Barnegat Bay Safe, Rescuer Says

A person who falls into frigid water can succumb to hypothermia quickly and drown if currents pull them under ice on a body of water.

"While we hope everyone stays safe this winter, Toms River Fire Companies are actively training on surface ice rescue techniques and will continue to do so as long as conditions allow," fire officials said.

"Their dedication is critical to ensuring swift response in emergencies, but your best option is to stay off the ice altogether!" officials said.