Don’t Rush the Thaw

Don’t Rush the Thaw

As Dunedin residents enjoy the warmer weather this week, local fire officials are reminding everyone to exercise caution around thawing bodies of water. While the recent cold snap brought some ice to smaller ponds and canals like those along the Pinellas Trail, the rising temperatures mean that ice is rapidly becoming unstable and dangerous.

Dunedin Fire Department Chief Michael O’Connell issued a statement yesterday, April 12, urging parents to speak with their children about the dangers of playing on or near ice. “Even if ice appears solid, it can be thin and unpredictable, especially this time of year,” Chief O’Connell stated. “A quick dip in cold water can lead to hypothermia in minutes, and rescue efforts are often complicated and dangerous for our first responders.”

Residents are advised to keep pets on leashes near waterways in neighborhoods like Ozona and to report any concerns about unsafe ice conditions to the Dunedin Fire Department’s non-emergency line at 727-738-2911. The department emphasizes that no ice is truly safe, and the best practice is to stay off it entirely.