Bay County, MI – Residents heading onto the ice near the Saginaw River and Saginaw Bay are being urged to use extreme caution today as commercial shipping traffic continues despite freezing conditions.
According to the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, commercial vessels are still transiting the Saginaw River and Saginaw Bay, even with visible ice present. The U.S. Coast Guard typically activates a seasonal safety zone during winter months, but officials say that zone has not yet been activated for the 2025–2026 ice season.
Authorities warn that large commercial ships can move unexpectedly and create dangerous ice conditions, including shifting ice sheets, sudden cracks, and open water near shipping channels. Tugboats and other support vessels are also expected to operate in the area over the next week.
The U.S. Coast Guard is urging everyone—especially ice anglers, snowmobilers, and walkers—to stay clear of marked shipping lanes and avoid areas where vessels may pass. Ice that appears stable can weaken rapidly due to vessel movement, changing weather, or underwater currents.
Officials recommend checking weather and ice conditions before heading out, letting someone know your plans, and carrying a reliable communication device with extra power. They also stress the importance of dressing for survival, not just cold temperatures.
“Conditions can change in a flash,” officials warned. “No ice is 100 percent safe.”
Anyone who sees a person in distress on the ice or water is urged to immediately contact the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Detroit Command Center at 833-388-8724, which operates 24/7.
Residents across Bay County, Saginaw County, the Great Lakes region, and Mid-Michigan are encouraged to share the warning to help keep others safe.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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