Firefighters Highlight Dangers Of Frozen Ponds, Lakes

The Tulsa Fire Department is urging people to be careful and to not stand or play on frozen bodies of water.

The department says whether it's a pond or a swimming pool, it's not safe.

Lt. Jason Patrick with the Tulsa Fire Department says when there are freezing temperatures, people think frozen ponds, lakes or even swimming pools can be safe to stand on, but it's putting you in danger.

"What is okay today on a frozen pond may not be later on today, vegetation creates hot spots in ponds and rivers, so you could have a weak spot where it was fine yesterday, today it might not be," said Lt. Patrick.

He says the wise decision when near frozen bodies of water, is to stay off of them. Patrick says people nearby often try to help before emergency crews arrive, putting themselves in danger, too.

"We call that the would-be rescuers, if somebody is trying to get to them, they are usually heavier or bigger, creating another problem," he said.

He says if you do fall through the ice, it's best to remain calm and try to get yourself out until help can arrive.