Zamboni drivers know how to dress for cold. It's winter, remember?

I think, by virtue of how you described the driver, he's more than safe for the 5-10 minutes he needs to be outside at a time. It's still 20 degrees out right now. It's unpleasant but people can dress for that.

It should probably be closed at sundown instead of staying open until 9 or 10 or whatever the normal closing time is.

Sure. They're bundled up. Has the safety equipment clothes on and seems completely covered. But the zamboni was sliding because of the wind. The actual machine. How is that safe? This weather is bad enough where frost bite can happen in 15 minutes or so. So why put the public at risk? Especially on this day and age when people don't hold themselves accountable. They allowed the schools to close because of the extreme temperatures. So why is this different? I'm just stunned this is happening.

I don't know what the standard time the zamboni does its thing is, but he was out there for 20 minutes. Just on the ice. Then he did something once he pulled off with a shovel at the door where the zamboni came on and off the ice. and then closed the doors and went into a tunnel. So, like 25 minutes, all told.

Ski lift operators do the type of thing daily too. The problem is the folks and jobs that aren’t prepared for it. A lot of people are working outside today. It is dangerous out there, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be made safer

It's difficult to clean the ice in the summer.

A little hyperbolic…is it cold for New England today and tomorrow? Yes. Are there areas in the world and country that have adapted to work outside in conditions like this? Yes. Look at Canada, the whole country doesn’t stay inside because it’s cold, Ukrainians are persisting despite massive power outages during the winter.

And Texas can't drive on black ice or when it would be what we consider a dusting. The city canceled school and allowed people to stay home because of the dangerous weather conditions. Even the people working outside are only doing what is necessary in very short bursts of time. What is necessary about having the ice rink open when the weather is this dangerous?

Also, the rink is closing at 9 instead of 10. So, again, what's the point?

Did you ask the zamboni driver if they needed anything?

Not everyone needs your help.

They reduced their hours closing earlier tonight (7:30pm) and opening late (4pm) tomorrow.

I hope they learned a thing or two about frostbite from Prince Harry.

Right? It’s all relative. Look at Yakutsk. You just live with it. Everybody’s saying to stay inside. Well, a lot of us have no option, and it’s not as if we can’t be prepared for it.

No.. I was heading home and waiting for the bus. My concern isn't specifically for the zamboni driver. It's because of the weirdness of the city keeping something open when it's clearly a health hazard for the public. Does it make so little money that it has to run the risk of public health to stay in operation? How is this safe?

Ah, you’ve reached that stage where normal New England winters suddenly seem frightening and overwhelming.

Fear not OP, for generations a solution has been passed down to those so afflicted. It is time for you to make the great migration to Florida and join the others who only vaguely remember grey snow drifts, blustery winds and ice skating.

I think the frostbite warning is more for overnight when it’s -20, -30. This morning is cold but not as bad.

You know ice skating isn't a mandatory activity, right?

They reduced the hours especially tomorrow when it is very dangerous to be outside for a prolonged time.

> Then he did something once he pulled off with a shovel at the door where the zamboni came on and off the ice.

Just cleaning up the extra ice/water/slush that the truck leaves behind.

I do appreciate you looking out for the worker, but 25 minutes in 25 degrees with 25 mph winds is plenty safe. Even at negative two or whatever it's going to be, it's not that dangerous to be out if you have reasonable protection.

I go winter hiking in the Adirondacks, and our early morning starts are generally below 0 (lowest so far is -17), and it's really not too bad. Still shedding layers after walking for a bit.

Plot twist, OP is the zamboni driver

Where did you grow up, out of curiosity?

Cranston, Johnston, Warren.

Plenty of outdoor hockey rinks have functioned with wind gusts. Even if it pushes the zamboni, they're not going particularly fast and it's not like an NHL game where 2 zambonis have to avoid each other.

They do seem to post about the ice rink a lot… 🤔

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Sorry, how is the public at risk? Are there women and children on the ice dodging an out-of-control zamboni?

I was definitely not expecting an answer in New England, lol. This is like the first legit "pond skating weather" day of the winter

Because these are peak ice conditions. Play volleyball and leave the rink stuff to us okay bud?

Wow. Thanks for being rude. Sorry my concern for people is an affront to you. You must be one of those people that goes out in a blizzard when the governor declares a state of emergency and decides he needs a new wardrobe. And then gets made that the stores are closed.

Remember, pond ice won't be thick enough for a couple of days - and by then we'll be back in the 40s.

This has been a public service announcement. :)

Exactly which member of the public are you afraid is being forced outdoors to die in this weather?

Lol, it’s too fucking cold for that now and I’m not a kid anymore

What's it matter anymore. I'm expressing concern for public health and safety, and the comments are all being snippy and snide and insulting. Go play volleyball. This is just New England. This isn't how people should respond. This isn't normal.

The rink is open because they want to make money. They are putting possible minimum financial gain over the health and well-being of the staff and the public. Instead of being pro active and saying maybe we should play it safe. They're going to be reactive and hope no one gets hurt or worse. And if an incident does happen, they'll scramble to wipe it under the rug and claim the public knew the risks.

Long live captialism. Hope it's worth it.

>This is just New England. This isn't how people should respond. This isn't normal.

On the contrary, this is exactly normal. The rink offers a legitimate outdoor entertainment choice. It's up to you if you want to skate. Should the governor declare a state of emergency, and close all roads leading in and out of the state? Then deploy the national guard to patrol the streets to shoot those outside?

It's called common sense, something lacking in a lot of people.

Feel free to get on 95 south, and don't stop until you're somewhere deep under Ron DeSantis' jurisdiction.

I'll just continue to live here, trying to make changes here in the hopes people do better instead of being someone that attempt to hide their bullying ways under the veil of sarcasm.

Surprised you didn't stop and ask to speak with the manager , you sound like a Karen

You mean like when you show up and demand to be able to skate even though it's miserable out and then blame the workers for the poor weather conditions that ruined your fun? Get bent.

Seriously in some areas of the country this is a standard winter day….

Sent this to the zamboni driver, I’m sure he will appreciate you looking out for him

People are saying "it's winter" as if we've had a normal winter. It's been mild, and this blast of Arctic chill potentially bringing drafts into the negative 30s is not normal winter. Unpopular here but I agree with you

Omg. You know the driver? Yes, please let him know I said be safe and thank him for doing this. I know it must be very tough. Thank you.

Welcome to Rhode Eyeland kid!

Maybe Zamboni Driver's Mom? 🥸

>I'll just continue to live here, trying to make changes here…

Good luck in the war against winter. We’re all counting on you.

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it’s called bundling up & growing a pair, you should try it

They lost all their business and shut down earlier than they wanted. People lost power as well as having trees falling down on houses, cars, and yards. My point was proven. Get bent.

congrats! now someone whose already getting paid less than enough won’t get paid today! hope you feel good about yourself.

Sat is OT for city workers. And at least someone gave a shit about them enough to worry that making money was more important than the lives of the workers. Unlike you and most of the people making shifty comments for no reason other than to be jerks.