(Michigan City, IN) - The public is being urged to stay off the shelf ice on Lake Michigan.

Michigan City Mayor Duane Parry is among the officials giving the advice because of the dangers posed by shelf ice, which develops along the shoreline.

Parry said shelf ice can provide breathtaking views but it can also be deadly.

According to experts, shelf ice is formed from water carried in by waves and often contains air pockets.

Shelf ice can look tall and thick but it’s not always solid because of air pockets and can easily break.

People don’t always land in water after falling through shelf ice. 

However, they can fall deep enough into the ice to make it difficult for searchers to find them.