TOMS RIVER, N.J. — As winter temperatures drop, the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention is warning residents about the dangers of walking on frozen bodies of water, emphasizing that even solid-looking ice can be deadly.
Officials cautioned that ice thickness is often inconsistent, with hidden weak spots that can give way without warning. Shifts in temperature and underlying currents can quickly compromise ice stability.
“Ice may not be evenly thick—what seems safe could be dangerously thin in some spots,” the bureau stated in a public safety announcement Friday.
To prepare for potential emergencies, Toms River Fire Companies are conducting ongoing surface ice rescue training to ensure quick and effective responses.
Authorities urge residents to prioritize safety by staying off frozen lakes, ponds, and rivers throughout the winter season.
