March weather can fluctuate from freezing lows to sunny warmth in a matter of days in South Dakota. This can cause some confusion, and danger, for people who like to spend time out near the water.
The water may be just right for geese in Sioux Falls, but the same can't be said for people. Much of the ice in the area has melted but that doesn't mean it won't make a comeback.
Brad Goodroad with Sioux Falls Fire Rescue says this re-freezing can be dangerous.
"Sometimes, this time of year, it might look like the ice is solid. Or you're used to going on it and then now it's not," Goodroad said.
If you do find yourself falling from thin ice into cold water, the dangers this time of year can be even greater. Not only do extra layers of winter clothing drag you down faster, the water itself will work against you.
"People don't quite understand, I think, what happens to your body. How quickly you can become almost paralyzed when that cold water touches your body," Goodroad said.
Goodroad says no matter how thick the ice looks to the naked eye, he suggests everyone steer clear of bodies of water for now.
"My advice right now would be to not go on the ice at all. We've had several days in a row where it's been warm. Coming up ahead there's several more days where it's going to be above freezing. And I just wouldn't advise to be on the ice at all right now," Goodroad said.
It's also a good idea to keep children away from bodies of water right now, so they don't confuse the ice for something sturdy enough to stand on.
The water may be just right for geese in Sioux Falls, but the same can't be said for people. Much of the ice in the area has melted but that doesn't mean it won't make a comeback.
Brad Goodroad with Sioux Falls Fire Rescue says this re-freezing can be dangerous.
"Sometimes, this time of year, it might look like the ice is solid. Or you're used to going on it and then now it's not," Goodroad said.
If you do find yourself falling from thin ice into cold water, the dangers this time of year can be even greater. Not only do extra layers of winter clothing drag you down faster, the water itself will work against you.
"People don't quite understand, I think, what happens to your body. How quickly you can become almost paralyzed when that cold water touches your body," Goodroad said.
Goodroad says no matter how thick the ice looks to the naked eye, he suggests everyone steer clear of bodies of water for now.
"My advice right now would be to not go on the ice at all. We've had several days in a row where it's been warm. Coming up ahead there's several more days where it's going to be above freezing. And I just wouldn't advise to be on the ice at all right now," Goodroad said.
It's also a good idea to keep children away from bodies of water right now, so they don't confuse the ice for something sturdy enough to stand on.