ALBANY – Due to the late start of winter and recent warm weather and rain, the state Department of Environmental Conservation is advising fishermen and others who may want to be on the ice on water bodies to be cautious.
Ice began forming late this season and is not as thick as it typically would be in early February.
Anyone planning to enjoy ice covered ponds and lakes should take precautions, the DEC noted:
The use of motor vehicles on ice is strongly discouraged until the ice thickens
Use caution when moving from ice to shore and from shore to ice
Check ice thickness near shore before going further out on the ice
Avoid areas around inlets, outlets, boathouses, docks and any open water
Be prepared to self-rescue, carry spikes, floatation devices and a throw line
Wear traction devices on your fee as there is no snow on the ice surface
