NYC Parks and Fire Department Caution New Yorkers to Stay Off Frozen Water

NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP today joined Fire Department Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro and Council Member Peter Koo at NYC Parks' World Ice Arena in Flushing Meadows Corona Park to urge New Yorkers to follow ice safety guidelines and stay off frozen waters in City parks. Members of FDNY's ice rescue team who rescued a child on the Bronx River last week were also on hand. While ponds and lakes may appear frozen, venturing onto them is extremely dangerous and can cause potentially fatal accidents.

"New Yorkers should never go on frozen water, and must practice safety around all lakes, ponds and other bodies of water in winter," said Commissioner Silver. "We encourage New Yorkers to come to one of our seven ice skating rinks across the city instead or take advantage of all activities including swim lessons, ShapeUp exercise classes, and nature education programs in all five boroughs. It's a safe and fun way to stay active this season - and a great family activity during Mid-Winter Recess."

"This winter we have seen two incidents - in Central Park and just last week in the Bronx - where, if not for the quick response and brave work of FDNY members in frigid, icy waters, New Yorkers may have lost their lives," said Commissioner Nigro. "Venturing onto the ice of New York City's rivers and waterways is dangerous. I urge all New Yorkers to stay off the ice for their safety, and for the safety of all FDNY members who respond to these emergencies."

"Today we're here to tell New Yorkers - quite literally - don't tread on thin ice! Instead, I hope you'll take advantage of the many ice skating rinks in parks around the five boroughs. They're safe, free or low cost, and offer great programming for all ages," said Council Member Mark Levine.

The strength of ice is extremely difficult for an untrained individual to determine, and what appears to be solid ice is likely to be too weak to support a person. To remind people of the dangers of walking on ice, NYC Parks has posted additional warning signs along the perimeter of many of the City's water bodies. In addition to signage, we have installed emergency call boxes at key locations and plan to install more this year.

NYC Parks offers the following Ice Safety Tips to ensure park patrons remain safe:

• Never go on frozen waters.
• Parents and caregivers should make sure children are never unattended near ice.
• If you do find yourself on ice and 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.

NYC Parks ice skating rinks throughout the City offer a safe way to enjoy the cold weather. Rinks include: Wollman Rink and Lasker Rink in Central Park and The Rink at Bryant Park in Manhattan; Abe Stark Rink at Coney Island and Lakeside Rink in Prospect Park in Brooklyn; the World Ice Arena in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens; and the War Memorial Rink in Clove Lakes Park on Staten Island. Or take a look at our list of favorite neighborhood sledding spots citywide.

Many of our Recreation Centers will be offering special programming during Winter Recess and will be hosting Learn-To-Swim Vacation Camps and Kid's Week programming. Our Urban Park Rangers also host many hikes, walks and tours throughout the winter. For more information about all of our winter activities in New York City parks, visit www.nyc.gov/parks and search "Winter Recess" or call 311.