Don't walk on frozen ponds!

BLOWING ROCK, N.C. — With weather temperatures hovering below freezing this week, many ponds are beginning to ice over - especially north of Charlotte.

At Bass Lake near Blowing Rock - not far from the Blue Ridge Parkway - National Park Service rangers told us their biggest concern is people going out on the ice to take selfies with their phones and not realizing the danger below their feet.

While it hasn't been above freezing since last weekend, there is concern the ice may not be thick enough.

We spotted a family venturing out onto the ice Friday, but the father told us the ice in that area was 6-inches thick.

"It's cold this long enough and the ice freezes, and it is thick enough to walk on. This is unique," he explained.

Park rangers have put up signs around the lakes warning people about the dangerous ice. At the Blowing Rock Fire Department, they showed us the ice suit they use to rescue people from frozen ponds and lakes.

Firefighters said their biggest concern is time, because it doesn't take long for hypothermia to set in, and rescues can be challenging requiring a lot of people.

"We have ropes. I mean we're prepared for it. We train for it, but still you never know what's gonna happen," said Fire Captain Daniel Delazerda.

We asked the National Park Service what happens if they catch someone out on one of the frozen lakes, and they told us they could be fined.

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