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Police Warn Against Cold Plunges on Treacherous St. Marys River
Sault Ste. Marie authorities urge public to stay off unstable river ice amid reports of dangerous activity.
Published on Feb. 21, 2026
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The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service is cautioning residents against walking on or creating holes in the ice on the St. Marys River, citing the serious risks of injury or death from falling through the unpredictable and fast-moving water. Police have received multiple reports of people engaging in cold plunges and other unsafe activities on the river ice, which they say is extremely dangerous.
Why it matters
The St. Marys River is known for its strong currents and rapidly changing ice conditions, making it a hazardous environment for any kind of recreational activity on the frozen surface. Even a brief immersion in the frigid water can quickly lead to shock and hypothermia, and the risk of being pulled under the ice by the strong current makes rescue efforts extremely difficult.
The details
According to the police, the river ice is unreliable and can change thickness quickly, with what may appear to be solid ice potentially being too weak to support a person's weight. Cutting holes in the ice further compromises its structural integrity and increases the chances of falling through. Whether someone accidentally falls through or intentionally enters the water for a cold plunge, the consequences can be severe.
- Police have received multiple reports of dangerous ice activity in recent weeks.
The players
Sault Ste. Marie Police Service
The local law enforcement agency responsible for public safety in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
What they’re saying
“Sault Police have recently received multiple reports of people walking on the ice atop the St. Marys River and even creating holes for cold plunging far from shore. This is extremely dangerous.”
— Sault Ste. Marie Police Service (sootoday.com)
“The cold water can quickly cause shock and hypothermia. In addition, the St. Marys River is well known for its strong current. Even when the surface appears calm, fast-moving water beneath the ice can pull a person under and away from the opening in seconds, making rescue extremely dangerous and difficult.”
— Sault Ste. Marie Police Service (sootoday.com)
What’s next
The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service is urging community members to report any unsafe activity on the St. Marys River ice by calling (705) 949-6300. They also advise calling 9-1-1 immediately if someone has fallen through the ice.
The takeaway
This warning from the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service highlights the serious dangers of venturing onto the St. Marys River ice, even for activities like cold plunging. The rapidly changing ice conditions and strong currents beneath the surface make the river an extremely hazardous environment, and the police are urging the public to stay off the ice entirely to avoid the risk of injury or death.
