Although winter has just begun, there have already been 10 reported incidents concerning individuals falling through the ice, highlighting the dangers of warm winters and frozen bodies of water.
According to a release from the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA), experts have blamed the unseasonably warm temperatures and alternate freezing and thawing for the dangerous conditions this winter.
“We urge everyone to stay off all frozen bodies of water,” said Kim Burgess, executive director of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance. “The perceived recreational benefit is simply not worth the risk to yourself or your loved ones.”
The NDPA also advised against letting pets roam onto the ice, as these animals may fall through and inspire brave actions from onlookers. The organization noted that if a beloved companion does become submerged, calling 911 is a better solution than attempting a rescue mission.
Regions like the American Midwest have seen temperatures as high as 50 degrees as of January 11, and places like Albany have received only 6.5 inches of snow this winter, roughly 10 inches less than it normally gets by this point, according to the Washington Post.