These days, cold temperatures are luring many adults and children to the Salzgittersee, which they think is already frozen over. But there are dangers involved: Children are particularly at risk here. They easily overestimate the ice cover, which is still far too thin.

Even if the ice appears solid near the shore, it can look very different a few meters further on. If you break into the ice, the cold water can cause life-threatening hypothermia. After just 2 minutes, children have little chance of survival. If you don't want to put your life in danger, it's better to stay on the shore.
Only when the ice surface on Salzgittersee is officially opened by the city of Salzgitter is it allowed to be entered within a demarcated and marked area near the pirate playground on the eastern edge of Salzgittersee. But even then: enter at your own risk!

When the time comes, the boundary will be marked with flagged ropes. Clearance is announced by hoisting a red and white pennant on a pole near the German Life Saving Association station. There will also be a corresponding announcement in the local media.

Before this happens, however, the ice must be at least 15 centimetres thick. This requires double-digit sub-zero temperatures for weeks.