Stay safe near ice

By Alexis Stevens

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Frozen bodies of water may certainly look appealing. But fire officials warn that the ice likely isn't as thick as it looks.

That's especially true in Georgia, where freezing temperatures aren't generally prolonged, according to Capt. Tommy Rutledge with the Gwinnett County fire department. Lakes, ponds and creeks covered in ice are not safe play areas.

Some things to remember:

- Rarely does water freeze uniformly. The ice may be a foot thick in one spot and just a few inches deep nearby.

- Usually, the ice is very thin, and it's not stable enough to support a person's weight.

- If you do fall through ice, try to stay calm and reach for solid ice. Kick to exit the hole, and try to roll to shore.

- Never attempt to go out onto the ice and rescue another person. Stay on the shore and try to reach the person with a pole or rope.