MOUNT OLIVE TOWNSHIP, NJ (Morris County) – Mount Olive Police remind residents and those visiting, that the ice on Budd Lake is never 100 percent safe.
“As the winter months progress, it is important that you do not put yourself or others at risk if you do not know the ice conditions on the lake and always be cautious,” police said.
Budd Lake is a natural lake and serves as headwaters of the Raritan River South branch. For Budd Lake to freeze, the temperature must be below freezing for a substantial and consistent period of time, police said.
Due to the uncertainty of ice conditions that can change hourly, the Mount Olive Police cannot endorse the safety of the ice. However, it is clear, that the weather to this date does not support any safe winter activity on Budd Lake.
The Mount Olive Police encourages people to make sure they continually and safely test any ice if they are planning on doing winter activities on the lake.
Falling through the ice in cold temperatures can rapidly cause hypothermia; this causes a lack of coordination and strength as the body pulls blood from the extremities in an attempt to maintain core body temperature. Those participating in winter activities are encouraged to wear a flotation device, life jacket, float coat or flotation suit to mitigate the effects of hypothermia when falling into the ice, police said.
If you are not sure how to test the ice, you are strongly encouraged not to do activities on any ice without researching how to perform these activities safely, police said.
“Please avoid a tragedy, and do not go on Budd Lake as it is never 100% frozen,” police said.
