Officials Warn Public: Don’t Go on the Frozen Charles River

Boston officials are issuing a stern warning to the public: Stay off the ice on the Charles River.

The recent cold spell has brought people out walking, fishing, and even riding electric bikes on the frozen river, but officials are saying don't be fooled by the river's solid-looking appearance.

"We have had such a cold spell that people are taking it for granted that the ice is thick enough, and that is not the case," said Cambridge Fire Chief Tom Cahill in a statement shared with NBC10 Boston. 

Cahill explained that even if the ice on the river is 6 or 7 inches thick, the river's configuration and flow make it unsafe to be on, due to thin spots and unpredictable currents.

While the ice appears solid and thick, pockets of open water persist. These pockets often occur intentionally, such as at the Harvard Sailing Center in Cambridge. There, staff use motors to pump deeper water up to the surface of the river to keep ice from forming.

"The water is a little warmer and, plus, it keeps it moving, which makes it hard to freeze as well," said Bern Noack, associate sailing coach at the Harvard Sailing Center on Memorial Drive, in a statement shared with NBC10 Boston.

Noack added that the pumps allow the Harvard Sailing Center staff to keep the ice from damaging the building and docks.

Forecasts indicate that the ice may persist into mid-March, creating prolonged, dangerous conditions. It's all the more reason to stay off the ice.