Dangerous shelf ice is building along the Lake Huron shoreline in these bitterly cold temperatures.
The unstable formation of ice chunks is created by winds and waves -- from the shoreline out into the water -- and is full of cracks, crevices, and holes.
Lambton Shores Fire Chief James Marshall said it's never meant to be walked on, and recommends enjoying the view from a safe distance.
"We want people to be very aware of their surroundings and what they're actually walking on," said Marshall. "If you haven't drilled into it and are certain that it's 100 per cent safe, be very cautious. We do have an ice water rescue team but by the time we get there, if you're not out the risks of you not surviving are extremely high."
Marshall said thankfully they haven't had to rescue anyone this winter.
"Last winter, we had five different times when we were out doing rescues or called out to save people on the ice," he said. "If you do find yourself in that situation, and you're close to the ice, you want to be there with somebody else. Do your best to pull yourself up, make some noise and call 9-1-1 to let us know where you are."
Marshall recommends downloading the "What3Words" app to your cell phone, which could save your life.
"It will give us direction to where you are," said Marshall. "If you're in the cold water, you might not be cognitively aware of what your current location is. If you go through the ice, and you're on shelf ice, the odds of us ever getting to you are nil. Unfortunately, if you fall through one of the holes on the ice, you're likely going to get pushed further under the ice and we have nothing that can save you."
Marshall said warning signs have been posted at beaches around Lambton Shores.
According to the Mayo Clinic, hypothermia occurs as your body temperature falls below 35 C. Symptoms include shivering, slurred speech, slow breathing, a weak pulse, memory loss, and low energy.