Safety Reminder: Stay Off Lakefront Shelf Ice

Post Date: 12/16/2025 1:45 PM

The City’s Parks and Recreation Department is reminding community members and visitors to avoid walking on shelf ice that builds up along the lakefront. 

With the recent cold temperatures, ice has formed on beaches and lakefront barriers. Walking on the shelf ice is extremely dangerous for people and pets. (View shelf ice graphic).

"People and their pets venturing onto shelf ice might believe it's stable, but hidden pockets covered by snow can easily go unnoticed," said Lakefront and Athletics Division Manager Tim Carter. "If someone falls through the ice into the water, it can take only minutes before they face life-threatening consequences."

The community is reminded to stay on the sand and enjoy the winter landscape from a safe distance this season. For questions or more information, please call/text 847-448-4311 or simply dial 311 in Evanston.