Sheriff: Beware of Thin Ice

Editor's Note: The following is a Hennepin County Sheriff's Office release.

The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office reminds you to use caution when you are on or near a lake or pond that is frozen or partially frozen. Parents and caregivers are reminded that if your child is near water, you should be near your child. Set clear rules for children concerning activities near or on a frozen body of water. No ice should ever be considered safe.

Bodies of water are especially a hazard now since they are the most likely to have a thin layer of ice. A dusting of snow or frost may give thin ice the appearance that it is safe when it is not. 

The recommended minimum thickness for ice is four inches for walking and small group activities. 

Please keep your dog on a leash this time of year. The Sheriff’s Office has responded to incidents involving pet owners who put themselves in jeopardy chasing after a dog that wandered onto thin ice.

For more information about ice safety, the DNR has tips online at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/ice/thickness.html.