Full Notification

Play it safe, only skate at approved ice arenas and rinks. THINK TWICE ABOUT THIN ICE!
The Gloucester Township Police  recommend not to walk or skate on any bodies of water within the township. Ice is very unpredictable and we don’t want anyone getting hurt. Please see the below ice safety and warning tips put out by the State of Massachusetts.
Below are several ice safety tips everyone should follow when near bodies of water during the winter months:

• Parents should always closely watch and supervise their children

• Always keep your pets on a leash (if a pet falls through the ice, do not attempt a rescue - - call for help).

• Beware of ice covered with snow. Snow can insulate ice and keep it from freezing. It can also hide cracks as well as other weak spots.

• Ice formed over flowing water (including springs under the surface) is generally weaker than ice over still water.

• Ice seldom freezes or thaws at a uniform rate. It can be a foot thick in one spot and an inch thick in another.

• If a companion falls through the ice and you are unable to reach that person from shore, throw something to him or her (a rope, tree branch, even jumper cables from a car, etc.). If this does not work, go or phone for help. Get medical assistance for the victim immediately.

• If you fall in, try not to panic. Turn toward the direction you came from, and place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface, working forward by kicking your feet. Once the ice is solid enough to hold you, and you can pull yourself out, remain lying on the ice (do not stand; lying down spreads your weight across a wider area, lessening your weight on any one spot) and roll away from the hole. Crawl back the way you came, keeping your weight distributed, until you return to solid ice or ground