Even though the water is frozen, as temperatures bounce around fire officials said the uneven freeze is dangerous.

"If it attracts people there and kids are really what we get concerned about because anything unique and fun is going to attract kids it takes a good long extended freeze to get ice to where its really safe. They suggest ice to be at least 4 to 5 inches thick in order to really do any ice skating or maintain the weight or support of it," Sgt. Gerard Callahan of the Missouri State Water Patrol said.

Thickness varies, so that means most ice isn't frozen deep enough to be safe yet.

"When our water does freeze even though it looks frozen it may not be the strongest ice which is not the best and not always the safest to be out on," Sgt. Gerard Callahan of the Missouri State Water Patrol said.

At the Lake Ozark Fire Protection these divers train in case you break the ice.  Firefighters use a gumby suit that keeps their body temperatures up. They use it to rescue people who fall into freezing water.

"You try to throw before you go. Try not to get in the same situation he's in because now we have two victims. Try to throw them a rope a jacket, someway to help them until other help can get there with the proper equipment," Mark Amsinger of the Lake Ozark Fire District said.

In the dive truck, they use inflatable rafts, special underwater diving gear, they even inflate hoses so they're rigid and can reach someone in the water.

Back North, Callahan said if you have your heart set on winter skating, check the depth with a drill and make sure the ice is even.

"Anytime you're out on frozen water we suggest you know the water beneath it and always avoid the deeper water. If the ice would break and you know you can stand in the water you're in a much better position for self rescue or rescue," Callahan said.

Click on the above link for cold water survival tips.