NYC parkgoers warned to stay off ponds after people spotted on ice in Central Park
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Officials with NYC parks are reminding parkgoers throughout New York City to stay safe by staying off the ice.
NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver spoke out on Monday after multiple people were spotted venturing out onto the ice in Central Park.
The bodies of water may appear frozen, but fluctuating temperatures can cause the parks' 96 lakes and ponds to be extremely dangerous and potentially fatal.
"No matter how beautiful a place may look, it can be extremely dangerous and that is why we're telling New Yorkers and our visitors never go onto the ice," Silver said.
On Monday afternoon, nearly a dozen people ignored red warning signs in Central Park and walked out on the ice to take selfies.
Gary Dicresce was walking his dog in in the park and couldn't believe his eyes.
"They were over on the other side there and the police were over here screaming 'get off the ice' and finally they got off the ice," Dicresce said.
It was one year ago this week when an 11-year-old boy died after falling into an icy pond in Forest Park, Queens, while trying to save his friend's life.
The year before that, first responders risked their lives in Central Park to rescue a 16-year-old who fell through the ice.
Officials say anyone involved in an ice-related emergency should call 911 immediately and not attempt to make a rescue.
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