 STAY
OFF ICE ON LAKES AND PONDS
New Yorkers
are warned against going onto or near the
ice of ponds and lakes. Determining the strength
of ice is extremely difficult, especially for an
untrained individual. Ice must be at least six
inches thick before it can maintain the weight
of a person, and to freeze to the right thickness,
the temperature must be well below freezing for
weeks. Ice strength is affected by the depth of the water, the size
of the water body, the water’s chemistry,
the distribution of weight on the ice, and local
climatic factors. To remind people of the dangers
of thin ice, Parks & Recreation
posts warning signs along the perimeter of the
City’s lakes and
ponds. Special ladders and ropes are also installed
around the edges for trained personnel to use in
the event of an emergency.
New York City's Parks & Recreation offers the following Ice Safety
Tips:
- Never
go on frozen waters (unless clearly marked
otherwise with official signs).
- Parents and caregivers
should make sure children are never unattended
near ice.
- If you hear cracking, lie down immediately
to try to distribute your weight.
- If you
witness someone falling through ice, never
attempt to make a rescue by yourself.
Call 911 and notify the proper authorities.
Be sure to give the exact location and
an account of the incident.
The following ice-skating rinks in parks throughout the city offer
a safe way to celebrate the cold weather: Wollman Rink and Lasker Rink
in Central Park, Abe Stark on Coney Island, Kate Wollman Rink in Prospect
Park, City Building in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, and War Memorial
on Staten Island. As soon as the ice is strong enough, Parks & Recreation
will designate safe-skating areas in large spray shower basins and other
shallow water spots throughout the five boroughs. Signs will be clearly
posted to show that these areas are safe for winter sports.
For locations and times of winter activities in New York City parks
visit www.nyc.gov/parks.
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