CLEVELAND — Winter may be brutal for some, but there are some sights of beauty, such as Lake Erie freezing over.
While the weather wonder is beautiful to look at, officials say that’s all visitors should do: look, but don’t walk on it.
What You Need To Know
According to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Lake Erie has over 95% ice coverage
The last time Lake Erie reached 100% was in 1996
Even at 100% ice coverage, it’s never recommended to walk on ice
According to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Lake Erie has over 95% ice coverage, but not quite 100%. The last time Lake Erie reached 100% ice coverage was in 1996.
While it may seem safe, it’s never 100% safe, according to the Cuyahoga County Emergency Management Agency.
On average, between 2014 and 2024, 21 people died in Lake Erie each year, according to Towey Law. While many of the deaths happen over the summer, because of water sports like boating and jet skiing, some happen in the winter. Between those 10 years, 13 deaths were attributed to falling in.
“It is never recommended that you walk on ice,” County County EMA said. “Fluctuating temperatures and underwater currents can create unstable, dangerous conditions.”
 
However, for those going out for some ice fishing or other winter activities, here are some safety tips:
Never go alone
Bring a life jacket or a flotation vest
Ice picks or a throw rope are crucial to help pull you out
If someone falls in the ice and you witness it, don’t run to where they fell in. Instead:
Call 9-1-1
Use a rope, ladder, stick or other sturdy object to reach out from a safe distance
Instruct the person to kick their legs and pull themselves onto the ice horizontally