Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) has been reminding county residents to avoid skating on lakes, ponds and other bodies of water that appear to be frozen as they cannot typically support the weight of an adult or child. Each year many residents get injured during the winter from incidents that include exposure to cold water. Here are some tips from MCFRS and safe alternatives for skating.
Ice, ice..DANGER. Lakes, ponds & other bodies of water may form ice or appear to freeze over. Bodies of water in our area DO NOT typically freeze solid enough to support the weight of an adult/child. The threat of falling through ice & possibly drowning is real! @MontgomeryCoMD https://t.co/4IG1OcM30t pic.twitter.com/UD6YGgj20R
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) January 23, 2022
What to do if someone falls through the ice:
- Call 9-1-1 for help immediately and make sure properly trained and equipped rescue personnel are alerted to respond.
- DO NOT go out onto the ice. Many times would-be rescuers become victims themselves.
- Reach, Throw, or Row: Extend a branch, pole or ladder to the victim. Throw them a buoyant object such as a life ring or float tied to a rope. If a boat is nearby row out to the victim or push it toward them.
Where to ice skate safely:
- Rockville Ice Arena
- Cabin John Ice Rink
- Wheaton Ice Arena
- Rockville Town Square Outdoor Ice Skating
- Silver Spring Outdoor Ice Skating Rink
Lots of fun on the ice during Wheaton Ice Arena's Celebrate Skating Day this Thursday, 4:30 to 6:15 pm, with games, crafts, and ice skating for National Skating Month.
Learn more: https://t.co/8Wnzsh0PgS. pic.twitter.com/Rhb764rm3k
— Montgomery Parks (@MontgomeryParks) January 24, 2022
Montgomery Parks also hosts ice skating events for the public and the next one will be on Thursday, Jan. 27 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. at the Wheaton Ice Arena. More information on the Skating Day event can be viewed here.
To read more safety tips for the winter, visit the MCFRS website.
