Officials warn Virginia residents to stay off icy bodies of water

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Following the winter storm and amid low temperatures, officials in Northern Virginia are warning residents to stay off of icy bodies of water, even if the ice appears thick.

In the morning on Monday, Jan. 26, the Prince William County Fire and Rescue System reminded residents to stay off of icy bodies of water.

"Our area rarely produces ice of the quality and thickness necessary for safe outdoor
recreation; therefore, recreation on local ice is riskier than in northern climates," officials said in a press release. "Ice that is formed during a continuous, hard freeze typical of northern climates is much stronger than ice formed during temperatures that repeatedly fluctuate above and below the freezing mark."

The reminder recalls an incident in January 2025 in Chesterfield County when a child fell through an icy pond. Fortunately, the child was able to get out before firefighters arrived and was okay.

Prince William County Fire and Rescue System officials said ice that forms where water levels often fluctuate, or where water moves, like storm water ponds, rivers and streams, is particularly dangerous because its thickness varies, and the ice may contain cracks.

In addition, areas where waterfowl like ducks or geese live can contain patches of very thin ice due to the birds' swimming and feeding activities, which have kept the water "open," longer than surrounding surfaces, officials said.

Regardless, officials warned residents to stay off of icy bodies of water.

"Ice can deteriorate four times faster than it forms; its suitability for
recreational purposes is often overestimated," said officials.

In addition, if a person or animal falls into icy waters, officials said moderate to severe hypothermia can occur in less than 10 minutes.

"The window of opportunity for a successful rescue closes rapidly beyond that time," officials said. "Therefore, the primary challenge for rescuers is time."

If someone falls through the ice, the Prince William County Fire and Rescue System said you should:

• Call 911 immediately.
• Do not go onto the ice to rescue them.
• Safely reach out to the victim by providing them with something that will help them stay afloat.

In addition, officials urged residents to discourage others they see on icy bodies of water, as it is not safe, including animals.

"Ice recreation is best sought on skating rinks, pavilions, or other locations specifically designed for that purpose, and not the dangerous, naturally occurring ice that forms on area waters," officials said.