In a release to students, Ohio State had this to say:
We are aware that some of you may be planning to jump into Mirror Lake that evening. We do not encourage you to jump, especially due to the extreme cold temperatures that are expected. However, the wellbeing of Ohio State students is our top priority and we will take efforts to make sure this activity is managed in a way that maintains appropriate levels of safety and security. If you do choose to jump, please keep the following in mind:
- Alcohol significantly affects judgment and reaction and accelerates the effects of hypothermia. I suggest that you do not drink.
- Mirror Lake is as deep as 8-feet in some areas, so take special care to stay within the designated jump area.
- Use the buddy system, and make a plan for arriving and walking home in a group.
In an effort to best ensure that Mirror Lake is a safe feature on our campus, we will add a number of enhanced safety and security measures for this activity. Access will be granted to those with Beat Michigan wrist bands (available at the Ohio Union as detailed above) beginning at 6:30 p.m. through one designated entry point and there will be several exit points. Wrist bands are needed even for those who are only watching. Students who are incapacitated and unable to care for themselves may not be granted entry.
Well, this just sucks all around. However, from a liability standpoint, it is probably a wise move by university elders. Still: if you're jumping into a lake in sub-zero temperatures. Here's The Lantern with further details:
The wristbands will be given out at the Ohio Union from Sunday at 11 a.m. until Tuesday and students must have a BuckID to receive one.
The wristbands also give students access to free food at the Beat Michigan festival Tuesday on the South Oval, which will have activities including a zip line and an interactive graffiti mural.
The message said that while free food will be available to the first 4,000 attendees, for “access to food (students) must pick up a Beat Michigan wrist band.”
What are alums who merely enjoy the revelry at Mirror Lake to do? It's unknown at this time. Will be interesting to see how this all unfolds.
