STAY OFF ICE ON LAKES AND PONDS

Citizens and visitors of Walnutport are warned against going onto or near the ice of the Lehigh River, Walnutport Canal, or any body of water.  Determining the strength of ice is extremely difficult, especially for an untrained individual. Ice must be at least six inches thick before it can maintain the weight of a person, and to freeze to the right thickness, the temperature must be well below freezing for weeks. Ice strength is affected by the depth of the water, the size of the water body, the water’s chemistry, the distribution of weight on the ice, and local climatic factors.

We offer the following Ice Safety Tips:

• Never go on frozen waters (unless clearly marked otherwise with official signs).

• Parents and caregivers should make sure children are never unattended near ice.

• If you 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.