Despite a week of freezing temperatures, ice on Prague’s ponds and reservoirs remains too thin for skating, firefighters warn.

Several volunteer fire brigades across the city have issued alerts on social media, urging residents not to venture onto frozen water surfaces too early.

According to Miroslav Řezáč, spokesperson for the Prague Fire Brigade, ice must be at least ten centimetres thick before it can safely support a single person.

If several people are on the ice at the same time, firefighters recommend a minimum thickness of 18 centimetres. Anything less poses a serious risk of breaking through.

Checks in Praguewere conducted by employees of the Forests of the Capital City of Prague, primarily for operational reasons. On Monday, ice thickness was recorded at nine centimetres at the Hostivař Reservoir, eight centimetres at Hamerský and Kyjský ponds, seven centimetres at Džbán, and 12 centimetres at Jiviny.

Other locations, including Počernický Pond and Pískovna, are inspected on a random basis.

Firefighters emphasise that ice thickness can vary significantly within a single pond. Areas near shores, inlets, outlets, or spots with water movement may be far weaker than they appear. Volunteer firefighters in Dubeč have warned that even if part of a pond seems solid, other sections may not support weight at all.

If the ice begins to crack, people are advised to move back toward the shore immediately. Lying flat can help spread body weight and reduce pressure on the ice. In the event of breaking through, firefighters recommend spreading arms across the ice edge, kicking feet in the water to gain momentum, and sliding back onto the surface before crawling to safety.

Anyone witnessing a person fall through the ice should call emergency numbers 112 or 150 without delay. Rescuers should not approach while standing upright, as this increases the risk of further collapse. Instead, weight should be distributed as much as possible, using a branch, rope, or even clothing to extend reach. Once the person is pulled out, dry clothing and warmth are essential to prevent hypothermia.

So far this winter, Prague firefighters report no incidents involving people falling through ice. Still, they urge patience. Until ice reaches safe thickness across entire water bodies, skating remains a dangerous gamble.

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