Be Careful on the Ice This Winter

The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office is urging all residents to use caution when enjoying winter recreational activities on area lakes and other bodies of water.

Many areas of ice around Hennepin County are not ready for motorized vehicular traffic including snowmobiles and ATV’s, according to a press release.

“We want you to have fun outside, but we also want you to use good personal judgment and be aware of your surroundings.  It’s not worth putting your safety in jeopardy just get out on the ice,” Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek said in the release.

Here's more from the release:

To reduce the risk of harm or injury to deputies, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office will not deploy snowmobile or ATV equipment on any county lakes until the ice is thicker. Ice conditions throughout the county are varied, and recent snowfall may give the appearance the ice is thicker than it actually is. Remember that no ice should ever be considered completely safe. 

Hennepin County residents are urged to review these safety guidelines:

• Have a plan of action if you do break through the ice.

• Avoid areas of dark ice. 

• Anyone using the ice –including people on foot, snowmobiles and ATVs --should use safety precautions such as wearing life jackets.  Sheriff’s deputies wear life jackets when they are on the ice.

• For parents and caregivers of young children, remember that if your child is walking on – or near-- ice  -- you should be near your child. Active supervision is recommended at all times on – or near -- lakes, ponds, and other bodies of water.

• For parents and caregivers of teens and young adults, communicate your safety rules and restrictions for those who will be driving your vehicles. If driving on ice is prohibited in your vehicle, make that rule clear to all potential drivers.

• Despite the recent cold weather, channels of Lake Minnetonka remain dangerous and should be avoided. A vehicle, such as a car, truck, or SUV, should NEVER be driven through a channel.

• Channels should be also be avoided by people on foot, snowmobiles, and ATVs.  A snowmobile or ATV has a high likelihood of going through the ice on a channel.

• For more information about ice safety and emergency response, visit the Minnesota DNR website.

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/ice/index.html

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