MONROE CO. — The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents to use extreme caution on frozen lakes, ponds, and rivers as winter recreation season continues.
Sheriff Troy Goodnough said fluctuating temperatures and underwater currents can create dangerous ice conditions that are not always visible from the surface. Officials warn there is no such thing as completely safe ice, even if conditions appeared stable recently.
The sheriff’s office recommends checking ice thickness before venturing out. At least four inches of clear ice is advised for foot traffic, while snowmobiles and ATVs require five to seven inches.
Officials also advise avoiding areas near bridges, docks and moving water, where ice is often thinner, and recommend recreating with a partner rather than alone.
Residents are encouraged to wear life jackets or float coats and carry ice picks and a throw rope.
If someone falls through the ice, authorities say to call 9-1-1 immediately and attempt a rescue only from a safe distance.