Pennsylvania commission warns against walking on frozen rivers, urges ice safety

Harrisburg — While the sight of a frozen river or stream may look pretty, the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission recently warned people to stay off of moving bodies of water that have frozen this winter.

In a news release, the commission said when a thick crust of ice forms on rivers statewide, the phenomenon attracts curious onlookers wishing to see the ice up close, and there is a temptation to walk out onto the ice.

Unlike lakes and ponds which, when frozen with a thick layer of ice, can produce recreational opportunities such as ice fishing and skating, moving bodies of water such as rivers and streams are never safe to walk on. With rapid current flowing beneath the ice, the frozen surface remains unstable and treacherous.

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A fall into any frigid water can cause rapid hypothermia, inhalation of water, and can lead to drowning. When falling through river ice, a victim will be swept under the ice by strong current, and can become trapped beneath the ice.

Emergencies involving victims who have walked onto frozen rivers also put first responders at risk during rescues.

When ice fishing or even ice skating on a lake or pond, the commission said it recommends at least 4 inches of ice, and to always wear a life jacket or coat with flotation built in.