MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek is issuing an early reminder to be cautious around partially frozen ponds, lakes and other bodies of water.

Stanek says no ice should ever be considered safe.

He says as thin ice begins to form on the water, it's important for parents and caregivers to be vigilant when kids are outside. In past years, most victims of fatal accidents on the ice in Hennepin County have been children.
 
 
Stanek says small bodies of water such as ponds are particularly dangerous now. A dusting of snow or frost may give thin ice the appearance that it is safe when it is not.

He says the goal is to prevent accidents before they happen.

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