Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Pafoua Lo, 763-543-3299
December 4, 2024 (Minneapolis) - When venturing out onto frozen lakes this season, the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) is reminding residents that ice is never 100% safe. Ice conditions can differ significantly from one body of water to another, so it's smart to check in with local sources like a nearby bait shop for the latest ice updates.
Between January and April of 2024, there were nine water emergency calls related to ice incidents. In comparison, during the same period in 2023, we received five ice related emergency calls. It's important to note that these figures reflect only the reported incidents.
"Every winter, we see lives changed because of accidents on frozen lakes. I urge our community to take every precaution, to respect the ice, and to look out for one another," said Lt. Rick Rehman. "Be especially cautious around ice ridges and moving water beneath the ice, especially in small ponds with springs or larger bodies with channels. Many of Hennepin County's ponds and lakes are spring fed and always have flowing water underneath. Let's work together to ensure that this winter is filled with joy, not tragedy."
Winter Ice Safety Tips:
- Equip yourself with the right gear:
- Life jacket, ice picks, ice cleats, bright colored clothing.
- Test ice thickness every few feet with an ice spud.
- Ice under 4 inches is not safe to walk on.
- Avoid areas with visible cracks or depressions.
- If you're with a group, spread out instead of standing together in one spot.
- Inform someone on shore about your plans.
In case you break through the ice:
- Stay Calm.
- Keep your winter clothing on for insulation. Heavy clothes won't drag you down but instead can trap air to provide warmth and flotation.
- Use ice picks to pull yourself back onto the surface.
- Once out, find shelter and warmth.
- Call 911 if you experience symptoms of hypothermia.
Lieutenant Rick Rehman is available for interviews. For more information, please contact Pafoua Lo at 763-453-3299 or pafoua.lo@hennepin.us.
About the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office:
The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is charged with keeping and preserving the peace in Hennepin County, the most populated county in Minnesota with nearly 1.3 million residents. The HCSO’s full strength is approximately 900 employees and is comprised of six bureaus: Public Safety Services, Investigations, Administrative Services, Public Affairs, Court and Field Services, and Detention Services. The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office is a proactive organization that participates in and hosts community programs to promote positive interactions with law enforcement.
The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office is led by Sheriff Dawanna S. Witt, who was sworn in on January 3, 2023. For more information, visit www.hennepinsheriff.org.
– HCSO–
Look for more news on the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office website at hennepinsheriff.org.
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