Safety on a Frozen Lake or Pond

Safety first on the ice (lakehopatcongfoundation.org)

With the frigid temperatures of the last few days, our lake is freezing in many areas, bringing with it the possibility of skating, ice fishing, and even snowmobiling on Lake Hopatcong. As more and more ice covers the lake, it's crucial to make sure you know how to tell when conditions are safe for various activities. However, it's important to recognize that ice will never be completely safe. Unseen or unknown factors can render seemingly safe ice suddenly dangerous. No activity undertaken on ice over water bodies is ever without risk.

Educating yourself on ice safety and what to do in ice emergencies is a critical step in staying safe on the ice. Below are numerous resources to help inform you on such topics as ice safety tips, how lakes freeze, how thick ice needs to be for certain activities, and what to do if you fall through the ice.

If you are unsure of conditions, it is best to refrain from any ice activities. If in doubt, don't go out!. 

Educate Yourself on Important Safety Tips 

Eight Safety Tips for Playing on the Ice 

How to tell if the ice is safe to walk on?