DANGER—THIN ICE

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A couple weeks of cold weather will freeze the surface of the ponds in Stonebridge. This usually happens between Thanksgiving and Christmas. HOWEVER, with last year’s mild winter and an expected mild winter this year, you cannot expect that the ice will freeze to a depth that makes it safe to step on. Venturing onto pond ice is extremely dangerous. The larger ponds are fed by aquifers beneath the surface. The aquifers NEVER freeze, and they cause the pond ice to remain thin even in very cold weather. If you see someone on the ice, call them to shore. CALL 911 if you see someone fall through the ice. They have about an hour to be rescued before they become unconscious and die from hypothermia; even if they can stay afloat. Sadly, some incidents also include the drowning of a rescuer. Every year we see people walking out on the pond ice. It’s frightening to think that people will risk their lives on such a dangerous experience. You do so at your own risk. Parents—please be sure to discuss the danger of the ice with your children and be good examples yourselves.