HARMONY TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Warren County) — Officials at Merrill Creek Reservoir are warning visitors to stay off the ice after several people were seen walking onto the frozen surface over the weekend, despite a strict prohibition on all ice-related activities.
In a reminder posted on the reservoir’s social media page, officials said no ice activities of any kind are allowed at Merrill Creek Reservoir, including walking on the ice, ice fishing or ice skating.
Officials emphasized that the reservoir’s ice can be extremely dangerous because of the depth of the water, including near shoreline areas, and the risks posed by cold water immersion.
According to the Center for Cold Water Safety, cold water can be deadly within seconds. “Cold water can kill in under a minute due to cold shock, causing involuntary gasping, panic, and drowning, with about 20% of cold-water deaths happening in the first 60 seconds, even before significant hypothermia sets in,” the organization says.
Reservoir officials urged visitors to heed posted rules and safety warnings, stressing that cold water emergencies can unfold rapidly and without warning.
Merrill Creek Reservoir is a popular destination for hiking, fishing and wildlife observation, but officials said winter visitors must remain off the ice at all times to avoid serious injury or death.
