New York Consolidated Laws, General Business Law - GBS § 265. Ice cutting and ice bridges

A person or corporation cutting ice in or upon any waters within the boundaries of this state for the purpose of removing the ice for sale or use, must surround the cuttings and openings made with fences or guards of boards or other material sufficient to form an obstruction to the free passage of persons through such fences or guards into the place where such ice is being cut.  Such fences or guards must be erected at or before the time of commencing the cuttings or openings, and must be maintained until ice has again formed therein to the thickness of at least three inches, or until the ice about such openings has melted or broken up.  Whoever omits to comply with this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.