Philadelphia police warn residents to stay off frozen waterways amid deep freeze

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police are warning residents to stay off frozen rivers and lakes after receiving about a dozen calls in recent days about people walking on the ice.

Authorities say no one has fallen through so far.

The region is experiencing a very cold stretch, creating scenes that city officials describe as striking but dangerous.

While the frozen waterways have drawn curiosity and recreation seekers, officials say the ice is not safe.

During the deep freeze, people across the area have been finding ways to enjoy the winter conditions.

In West Norriton, an all-terrain vehicle was seen pulling a skier across the Schuylkill River.

In Fairmount Park, two people were spotted walking out onto the river, and photos from FDR Park show a group playing ice hockey on a frozen lake.

The wintry views have captivated some residents.

"It's so different. Pure white and all the patterns and the snow on it," said John Brady of Wyndmoor.

Philadelphia police say those scenes have prompted safety concerns. The city has issued a safety advisory urging people to stay off all frozen waterways.

"Our concerns are the safety of the citizens - to make sure they don't go out there, to prevent anyone from falling through," said Lt. Gregory Caputo of the Philadelphia Police Marine Unit.

Members of the Marine Unit, who are specially trained for water and ice rescues, say rivers pose particular risks even when they appear solid on the surface.

"A lot of people don't realize that the water is still moving underneath the ice sheet. The potential for someone to fall through - if they're not able to hold onto the edge and get rescued, they can get swept out and swept underneath that ice cap," Caputo said.

Caputo said the ice is not safe enough to support people or vehicles and that conditions become more dangerous as more weight is added.

"For somebody just to walk on it, you're talking a minimum of five inches, they recommend. Anything under four inches to stay off that ice," he said.

Caputo estimated that some areas of ice may be six to eight inches thick, but he emphasized that thickness is inconsistent and unpredictable across waterways.

Police are urging residents to stay off the ice and avoid risking their lives or the lives of rescue crews who might be called to help.