Ladders at the ready for ice rescues in New York City
New York City’s park system has nearly 100 lakes and more than 150 miles of shoreline that can turn into ice during the winter months.
The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation places dozens of ice rescue ladders around the city for lake and pond rescues.
(New York City Department of Parks & Recreation)
NEW YORK – Winter’s usually bitter cold temperatures mean hundreds of bodies of water face the threat of freezing over, which can prove to be dangerous attractions for those who turn a blind eye to warnings to stay away.
New York City Parks says nearly 100 lakes and more than 150 miles of shoreline fall within their jurisdiction, some of which freeze over as early as December.
Because the ice is usually too thin to support a person’s weight, signs alerting visitors to the dangers of venturing onto the waterways are plastered throughout the parks, but sometimes the warnings go unheeded.
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"It is imperative that we all, especially our city’s children, know how to safely co-exist with these bodies of water, in the winter and in the summer- safety first," said Megan Moriarty, a NYC Parks press officer.
Because of the need for sudden rescues during the winter and spring months, the park system deploys more than 700 ladders each year to help first responders quickly perform rescue operations.
Moriarty says the special ladders are designated for use by only authorities, but if anyone sees someone in need of help, they should immediately call 911 for assistance.
If you are brave enough to venture through a park during the cold months, New York City Parks suggests knowing the following ice safety tips:
- Do not attempt to walk on any waterways that appear frozen
- Children should never be left unattended near ice
- If you witness someone falling through ice, call 911
- Never attempt to make an ice rescue