In New Jersey there are no ice safety standards. According to NorthJersey.com on January 9, 2013, public safety officers, recreational staff and local longtime outdoorsmen say there is no guidelines to what is safe during wintertime on the ice.
This issue comes to light after two teens in Mount Olive N.J. went missing Monday, January 7, 2013. The teens boys are believed to have fallen through partially frozen Budd Lake. The recovery effort continues as one body has been found, while the other has not.
While some municipalities monitor public water for ice safety, the majority of towns have a "skate at your own risk" policy.
Tim Clancy, one of the directors of the Knee Deep Club, which holds an annual ice fishing derby at Lake Hopatcong, N.J. states,
“Ice is never safe; there’s always a risk”
States who endure longer harsher winter, like Minnesota and Ohio have standards in what is considered safe ice. Many question if a state like New Jersey, which is capable of below freezing temperature needs a standard.
The tragedy in Budd Lake will likely brings reform to ice safety in New Jersey
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