New drone footage captured a series of close calls on Lake Michigan this weekend as visitors ignored safety warnings to walk on dangerous “shelf ice.”
The video, filmed by Timeless Aerial Photography on January 3, shows adults and children venturing far out onto the frozen mounds along the St. Joseph shoreline.
In the footage, one man is seen nearly falling into the water before rushing back to his group.
Another clip shows a small child slipping on the slick surface while walking next to an adult.
Why Shelf Ice is a Death Trap
While the ice looks solid and beautiful, the National Parks Service (NPS) warns that it is “inherently unstable.”
Unlike solid lake ice, shelf ice is made of floating chunks pushed together by wind and waves.
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Hidden Holes: Air pockets and water gaps often hide beneath the surface.
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Sudden Shifting: The ice can break away or collapse under a person’s weight without warning.
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Impossible Rescue: Falling into the freezing water beneath the shelf is often fatal because the steep ice walls make it nearly impossible to climb back out.
“Don’t Risk Your Life for a Photo”
Local officials are pleading with the public to stay off the formations.
Steve Neubecker, Director of Public Safety for the City of St. Joseph, told WSBT that no picture is worth the danger.
“Stay on the ground,” Neubecker urged.
He reminded visitors not to “risk losing your life” just for a photo opportunity.
The NPS reinforces this with a simple, life-saving rule: “Never step onto shelf ice.”
