Ice conditions have become unstable in many areas of Lake Erie, Coast Guard says
U.S. Coast Guard offices that handle calls on Lake Erie issued another request this week for people to stay off lake and river ice in the region, in response to warmer temperatures melting and cracking ice covers.
"Due to warmer temperatures and wind conditions, ice in many popular areas on Lake Erie is unstable and hazardous for recreational use," the Coast Guard Sector Detroit posted on social media Monday.
"Warmer air temperatures will cause frozen waters to melt at an alarming rate and may cause misperceptions about Great Lakes water temperatures, which will remain dangerously cold, posing safety concerns for anyone venturing onto the lakes," Monday's press release from the Ninth Coast Guard District in Cleveland said.
"Ice is unpredictable and the thickness can vary, even in small areas. Warm temperatures and currents, particularly around narrow spots, bridges, inlets and outlets, are always suspect for thin ice. Stay away from cracks, seams, pressure ridges, slushy areas and darker areas since these signify thinner ice. In addition, ice near shore of a frozen lake may be unsafe and weaker because of shifting, expansion, wind and sunlight reflecting from the bottom."
The Coast Guard Station in Marblehead, Ohio, also issued a warning about this week's ice conditions along its shoreline.
Hypothermia is a serious danger after falling into icy water, the Coast Guard said, as the cold water drains a body's heat much faster than even cold air will do.
Air Station Detroit was called to multiple rescues on the ice in Saginaw Bay and Lake Erie during the past few weeks, after ice broke apart and stranded people offshore.
