LACONIA, N.H. (AP) – Itching to try out that new pair of ice skates?

Safety officials say stick to the rink for now.

The Fish and Game Department says nobody should be stepping onto lakes, ponds and rivers this early in the season.

A layer of snow on the ice right now is hiding soft patches of ice. The snow also acts as an insulator, preventing the ice from freezing completely through.

Laconia Fire Chief Ken Erickson warns there are still big stretches of open water out on the lakes.

Wait for a cold snap and don’t go on the ice until it is at least four to six inches thick and has a bluish tinge, according to Fish and Game’s ice safety tips. Don’t go out if ice at the shoreline is cracked or soft. Avoid dark patches of snow and clear patches of ice, both signs of weak spots.