Frozen Lakes, Ponds, and Rivers: Winter Water Safety Tips Every Family Should Know

When winter arrives, frozen lakes, ponds, and rivers become part of everyday life in cold-weather climates. While ice-covered water may look calm and solid, frozen water is one of the most dangerous and deceptive environments people encounter during winter.

Understanding frozen water safety is critical for families who live near lakes, walk near ponds, or spend time outdoors during winter and early spring. At TANA ANA, we believe water safety education should happen year-round, not just during swim season.

Is Ice Ever Safe? Understanding the Myth of “Safe Ice”

One of the biggest misconceptions about winter water safety is the idea of “safe ice.” In reality, no natural ice is ever completely safe.

Ice thickness can vary dramatically within just a few feet due to:

• Moving water beneath the surface
• Underwater springs or inflows
• Snow cover that insulates and weakens ice
• Rapid temperature changes

Even if ice looks thick—or others have walked on it—conditions can change quickly and without warning.

Where Ice Is Most Dangerous on Lakes, Ponds, and Rivers

Some areas should always be treated as unsafe, regardless of how solid the ice appears:

• Rivers and moving water
• Inlets and outlets on lakes and ponds
• Near bridges, docks, and shorelines
• Areas with cracks, pressure ridges, or slush
• Dark or wet-looking ice

Flowing water weakens ice from below, making these spots especially dangerous.

What to Do If Someone Falls Through the Ice

If you see someone fall through ice, it is very important you do not run to the hole because you might endanger yourself and create a bigger emergency situation.

Remember this rule: Reach. Throw. Don’t Go.

• Reach with a branch, scarf, jacket, or long object
• Throw a rope, flotation device, or anything that floats
• Don’t Go onto the ice

Call 911 right away and wait for trained responders.

What to Do If You Fall Through Ice

Cold water shock can happen in seconds, but knowing how to respond can save your life:

1. Stay calm and focus on steady breathing
2. Turn toward the direction you came from—the ice held your weight before
3. Kick your legs and pull your body flat onto the ice
4. Roll away from the hole instead of standing up
5. Once out, seek warmth and medical attention immediately.

Frozen Water Safety for Kids

Frozen ponds and lakes often look like playgrounds in winter, but children can’t assess ice safety on their own. Accidents happen quickly and quietly.

A simple rule for families: If an adult hasn’t tested it, it’s off-limits.

Even better, assume all natural ice is unsafe unless it has been professionally monitored and approved.

Why Frozen Water Safety Matters to Me

I grew up in Minnesota—the Land of 10,000 Lakes, where frozen water is part of everyday life for months at a time. During winter and early spring, education around frozen lake, pond, and river safety wasn’t optional—it was essential. From school lessons to community reminders, understanding the risks of ice was something we were taught early and often.

That upbringing, combined with my background as a competitive swimmer and lifeguard, shaped how deeply I believe in year-round water safety education. At TANA ANA, safety isn’t seasonal. Frozen water deserves the same respect as open water, and sharing knowledge is one of the most powerful ways we can protect our families and communities.

This winter, stay informed, stay cautious, and remember: frozen water isn’t safe water.

xo, Tiana