Baxter County Sheriff John Montgomery is cautioning area residents about reports of children seen walking on frozen sections of Norfork Lake.”The Sheriff’s Office has twice this week received welfare concern calls about children who had been seen walking or playing on the ice,” Montgomery says in a news release. “This precautionary warning is being issued to make parents and young people aware of the potential deadly dangers of this kind of activity.”
Montgomery reminds the public that ice is unpredictable and its density can change anywhere and at any time.
“After freezing temperatures and a heavy snowfall, sunny days will bring on a slow thaw,” the sheriff says. ” The crust that forms on top of a lake or body of water is unstable due to the movement of water beneath it. Lake ice is most fragile in frozen areas around an open patch and along the shore. This ice may look solid, but it is probably very weak.”
Montgomery asks all parents to remind their children to “never skate or play on the ice on a frozen or partially frozen lake or pond in this area. The ice is likely thin and can easily crack.”
The sheriff also advises parents to conduct proper supervision to help reduce the risk of injury during winter activities.
“Please be responsible and take proper steps to ensure everyone’s safety,” Montgomery says.
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