Frozen stormwater retention ponds seem like they would make a perfect spot for skating, but the city is warning of the dangers of unstable ice.
Cambridge fire chief Rob Martin took to social media Wednesday to remind residents that going out on these frozen ponds is unsafe no matter the reason.
"Very important safety message. We all love our outdoor skating and pick-up hockey games, but storm water ponds are not safe options for these fun activities," wrote Martin.
Very important safety message. We all love our outdoor skating and pick-up hockey games, but stormwater ponds are not safe options for these fun activities. Please play safe check this site for city supported locations https://t.co/mY1BLMNPed https://t.co/NARSUNYOOV
— Rob Martin (@Chief_RMartin) January 17, 2024
Head of bylaw for the City of Cambridge John Mattocks echoed Martin's warning and said retention ponds were never built or intended to accommodate ice skating or recreational play.
"These ponds are meant to collect storm water and contain large amounts of salt, weakening the ice even more," Mattocks said.
He adds that there is water constantly flowing under the ice making it even more unpredictable and unsafe.
Mattocks recalls a story from 2020 where an 11-year-old boy tragically lost his life while playing on a frozen retention pond in Milton.
"This is the harsh reality if folks don't follow these warnings and pay attention to the signs that are posted."
Jesica Buczynski, fire, life and safety educator with CFD notes that there are 125 retention ponds in Cambridge and every single one of them are unsafe.
"We like to say that there is no such thing as a safe place to skate on these ponds," said Buczynski. "CFD is trained on ice rescue if anyone needs help, but we hope we don't have to."
She notes that for ice to be safe it needs to be a minimum of 7 cm thick, but when water is flowing under these ponds it will always be unsafe.
"These ponds were designed to empty, so they are just really unpredictable," added Buczynski.
Mattocks says staff will typically issue warnings to anyone they catch on the ice before issuing tickets, but those found trespassing can face up to a $110 fine.
"It's really about education at first so we can explain to them how dangerous this is," said Mattocks.
So far there have been no complaints or bylaw interactions with people using the ice, but Mattocks thinks this could change as the cold temperatures continue and residents look for ways to enjoy traditional winter activities like skating.
"We just ask if you want to skate or play hockey to visit one of the city's amazing ice facilities and not put yourself or others at risk."
Anyone interested in finding a place to go ice skating in Cambridge can visit the city's website here.
