Outdoor ice rinks are subject to the elements and due to rain, unseasonably warm weather, high winds or a combination of these weather conditions, the surface of the ice rink can develop a layer of water. It is not unsafe to skate on a wet rink, just more uncomfortable if you fall and get wet. It can be more slippery when getting up, which is why we advise wearing gloves – not only to help with the cold, but also to aid traction on the ice when getting up.

 

As soon as there is some water on the surface, the wind agitates it and it generally takes longer to refreeze until we have lower temperatures, and the wind drops off.

 

Removing the water from the surface is counterproductive as it removes the layer of cold water that is insulating the ice below it, exposing the ice to further melting, and thus affecting the ice depth.

 

All rinks with surface water and the correct thickness of ice are safe to skate on and our priority is to keep the ice safe for all skaters.

 

This is an unavoidable occurrence with outdoor ice rinks and all outdoor ice rinks in the country will experience the same challenges.