Talk with kids about ice safety

A pre-Thanksgiving cold snap means some lakes and ponds across Minnesota are beginning to freeze. However, the ice isn’t yet safe to walk on and the water underneath is dangerously cold.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminded everyone this week to “be extremely cautious around the water,” and with children home for Thanksgiving break, to talk with them about the risks of cold water and ice.

While ice is never 100% safe, ice in the early stages of formation is particularly dangerous. Falls through the ice or into open water at this time of year can turn tragic quickly, and each year result in serious injuries or deaths.

Parents and guardians need to be especially vigilant about watching kids and ensuring their children’s innate curiosity about the water and ice doesn’t put them at risk.

Anyone who recreates on the ice should wait until there’s at least 4 inches of new, clear ice before walking out onto it. For more tips, visit mndnr.gov/icesafety.