(ABC 6 News) – The Minnesota DNR says small bodies of water are often magnets for kids and their curiosity.

But the big problem? Smaller bodies of water tend to melt much faster.

The DNR says, in the last 25 years, at least eight children under the age of 10 have died by falling through “backyard ice.”

DNR officials urge Minnesotans to be prepared in case your child or pet falls through the ice.

“They shouldn’t run out on the ice to try to save them because if their child fell through, then it’s definitely not going to support the weight of a larger person,” said Nicole Biagi, the DNR’s ice safety coordinator. “So, call 911 and grab a throw rope, grab something that you can toss out to them, a life jacket, so you can get them back to shore.”