Philadelphia police are warning the public to avoid ice-covered bodies of water, including the frozen Schuylkill River, or risk facing fines, writes Michael Tanenbaum for PhillyVoice.
The frozen river’s allure is strong, particularly because it only freezes a few times each decade, tempting some people to venture onto the ice.
“We’re getting reports of people walking and ice skating on Philadelphia’s rivers,” said the police in a social media post on Sunday, February 1. “This is illegal for a reason. River ice is not as thick as it looks – moving water underneath weakens it and conditions can change fast. Please stay safe and stay off the ice!”
Authorities have already addressed several reports of individuals on icy rivers and streams, including a recent incident over the weekend where a woman and two children stepped onto the Schuylkill River in East Falls. Police also received reports from South Philly, Northwest Philly, and Northeast Philly.
So far, there has been no need for rescues, which are handled by the Philadelphia Police Marine Unit.
Sgt. Eric Gripp said that anyone who ignores the warning to stay off ice-covered water could face a fine of at least $25.
This is the first time since January 2018 that the Schuylkill has frozen.
Read more about the issue and why not to walk on the Schuylkill at PhillyVoice.
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