A Windsor-Essex municipality has warned people that icy areas aren't as safe as they appear.
The Municipality of Lakeshore has issued a warning for residents to stay away from the retention ponds that the town uses to store excess rainwater before it is pumped back into Lake St. Clair.
With winter temperatures fluctuating wildly this winter, bodies of water may appear to have frozen over, when more often than not, they haven't, making it dangerous for people to walk or play on or near them.
Mayor Tom Bain said the adventure is likely not worth it, and could lead to major problems.
"We understand families want to get out and stay active this winter," said Bain in a statement. "However, our priority is safety and ice on these ponds is not safe. Please stay safe and off the ice."
Water is collected in the ponds after it is carried there by several storm water sewers. The municipality said some of the ponds are connected to pumps that carry water back to the lake, which results in frequent changes in water level. Because of this, any ice that forms is usually too thin for people to walk or play on.
Residents are reminded that safer recreational opportunities are available in the Lakeshore park system. Eleven of the parks, including the Earthwalk Trail at Atlas Tube Centre, the Comber Fairgrounds, Lakeview Park, and others have snow cleared from its trails after each snowfall.
Lakeshore's warning comes after a group of youths had to be rescued from a similar pond Sunday near the Vollmer Complex in LaSalle, a situation that LaSalle Fire Chief Dave Sutton said could have ended tragically.
"The overall message is that the ice is not safe and for individuals to stay off the ice this time of year," said Sutton.
--with files from Hannah Theodore