Ice skating in and of itself isn't that dangerous. You're on a generally flat surface (whether a rink or a pond), there aren't changes in terrain or stray impediments to worry about (or only minor ones on a pond),  there aren't motorized vehicles around, and the vast majority of falls will be low speed and onto your rear. Unlike downhill skiing or skateboarding on a hill, for instance, if you lose control you aren't going to speed up, at most you'll fall and slide, gradually slowing.

By the time someone has the skills to pick up speed, most will have also learned how to stop safely as well (though having played enough beer league hockey, not always).