Hennepin County Sheriff Warns Public About Thin Ice

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

The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office is urging people to stay off of the ice on area lakes and other bodies of water due to thin ice conditions.

Last week, many small lakes in Hennepin County had 4-5 inches of ice, the recommended minimum thickness for walking and small group activities.   Today’s rain and recent warm weather have diminished the ice and it is too unstable for any activity.

Please be aware of safety information:

• Most victims of fatal accidents on the ice in Hennepin County have been children.  Parents and guardians should keep children away from thin ice on rivers, ponds, creeks, and lakes. When your child is near the ice or the water, you should be near your child.

• The early part of winter has traditionally been the time of year when children are at-risk for ice accidents because of the holiday schedule over the next few weeks. With the upcoming holiday break, children will have more time on their hands to explore outside.  

• Small bodies of water such as ponds 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. 

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

• If families plan to enjoy indoor water recreation at hotels or other locations, create a water safety plan to prevent drownings.  More drownings in Hennepin County take place in swimming pools and hot tubs— compared to natural bodies of water.  Non-swimmers and weak swimmers should consider wearing life jackets even in an indoor pool. Active supervision by an adult is still needed.

• For more information about ice safety, the DNR has tips online at dnr.state.mn.us/safety/ice.