EASTHAMPTON — Shortly after a layer of ice forms on Nashawannuck Pond, recreational pastimes like ice fishing and skating bring people atop the frozen water body.
Safety on the frozen pond is always a concern, but with forecasted temperatures set to be in the mid-50s on Wednesday, Fire Chief Christopher Norris is cautioning the public about the potential dangers of thin ice on the city’s ponds, streams and rivers.
“Ice seldom freezes or thaws at a uniform rate — while one area may be 1 foot thick, about 10 feet away it could be about an inch thick,” he said. “We’re trying to educate the public and remind them to be mindful of the local conditions.”
A handful of people were ice fishing at Nashawannuck Pond on Tuesday morning, juxtaposed by a large portable electronic sign with the warning of thin ice and urging people to “keep off” both Nashawannuck Pond and Lower Mill Pond.
With temperatures continuing to fluctuate from seasonably warm temperatures to freezing, Norris said concerns over thin ice will be an ongoing issue this winter. The unpredictability of the way the ice freezes and thaws adds a level of danger for anyone trying to walk on or cross it, he added.
Mayor Nicole LaChapelle took to Facebook on Dec. 30 to post a photo with the following comment: “This week’s average temperature: 42.42. Monthly average temp: 34.25, To the right, out of frame, huge electronic sign saying ‘Thin Ice. Do not use.’ #icefishing #besafe #climatechange.”
In addition to the installation of the sign, Norris is also purchasing four buoys that will be mounted to the hand railings at the entrance to Nashawannuck Pond and Lower Mill Pond. The buoys cost between $500 and $1,000 and will be paid for from the fire department’s budget.
Norris said that the buoys will be available for public use year-round to help someone that has fallen in the water. Should someone fall through the ice, he recommended calling 911 and throwing the individual something to pull them out with.
“People should not attempt to go out and rescue anyone,” he said.
Although no one has fallen through ice in the last four years since he became chief, Norris said that some animals have fallen and were able to get out. He recommended that all animals walking near any water bodies remain on a leash.
In the event that someone falls through the ice, Norris advises people to remain calm, turn toward the direction they came from and place their hands and arms on the unbroken surface, working forward by kicking their feet.
“Once you’re out, remain lying on the ice and roll away from the hole. Crawl back to your tracks, keeping your weight distributed until you return to solid ice,” he said. “Once you’re safe, find shelter and change out of your wet clothes, and seek medical assistance immediately.”
Much like last year, firefighters will soon begin training on ice rescue training equipment, playing out potentially dangerous scenarios at Nashawannuck Pond with gear the department purchased last year with the help of a $4,600 Emergency Management Performance Grant through the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.
In a press release, Norris also offered some tips on staying safe on the ice:
■ Enter the ice prepared with a cellphone in case of emergency, as well as rope or ice picks.
■ Beware of ice covered with snow. Snow can insulate ice and keep it strong, but can also insulate it to keep it from freezing.
■ New ice is usually stronger than old ice. As the ice ages, the bond between the crystals decays, making it weaker, even if melting has not occurred.
■ Slush indicates that ice is no longer freezing from the bottom and can be weak or deteriorating.
■ Ice formed over flowing water (rivers or lakes containing a large number of springs) is generally more dangerous and should be avoided.
Emily Thurlow can be reached at ethurlow@gazettenet.com.
