Hopatcong police issue ice safety reminder for Lake Hopatcong, surrounding waterways as cold weather sets in
HOPATCONG BOROUGH, NJ (Sussex County) – As cold temperatures settle over the region, the Hopatcong Police Department is urging the community to exercise extreme caution when recreating on Lake Hopatcong and surrounding waterways.
With various winter activities such as ice skating, ice hockey, ice fishing, snowshoeing, skiing, and snowmobiling becoming popular, safety becomes a critical concern during this time of year.
The police department emphasized that ice is still in the early stages of formation, and its strength can vary significantly. Factors like temperature, thickness, snow load, and the water characteristics beneath the ice can make it unsafe, even if it looks solid from the surface. Ice is especially weaker in moving water such as rivers and streams, which can create additional hazards.
The department listed several important safety tips:
- Call 911 immediately if someone falls through or becomes stuck on the ice.
- Check ice thickness before venturing onto the ice—ice strength can’t be judged by appearance.
- Ice is weaker on rivers and over moving water; be cautious in those areas.
- Watch for signs of weak ice such as standing water, slush, wet cracks, pressure ridges, and water flowing on the ice surface.
- Snow load can affect ice capacity, so be especially cautious during early snowfall.
- There is no such thing as 100% safe ice—always stay vigilant and travel with someone else.
- Hypothermia sets in rapidly in cold water, so always be mindful of the risks of falling into icy water.
- Keep pets off weak ice, and the safest option is often to avoid the ice altogether.
As the winter season continues, the Hopatcong Police are encouraging residents and visitors to prioritize safety while enjoying the natural beauty of Lake Hopatcong.
