Emergency officials in Putnam County issued a public safety warning after youth were seen walking on a frozen section of the Kanawha River.
In a social media post, the Winfield Police Department urged parents and guardians to talk with their children about the dangers of frozen waterways.
“While the surface may look solid, river ice is unpredictable,” the post read. “Moving water beneath the ice causes uneven freezing, weak spots and sudden breaks that are impossible to see. Temperature changes, snow cover, currents and runoff can all rapidly reduce ice strength, even after several cold days.”
Winfield firefighters also shared a warning on social media, noting that emergency response times along the river could be delayed because access points and boat ramps are frozen.
“There is no easy way to get to you,” firefighters wrote. “With very low water temperatures and the current under the ice, a break through may very well be fatal.”
Police emphasized that cold water shock, heavy winter clothing and strong currents can make self-rescue extremely difficult.
“For your safety and the safety of our firefighters, officers and rescue personnel, please stay off ice-covered rivers, creeks and moving waterways,” police wrote. “No photo, shortcut or adventure is worth the risk.”
Officers advised calling 911 to help anyone in distress rather than attempting a rescue.