Ice Safety

Make Sure to stay safe this winter

Winter provides some amazing opportunities to get outside. There is no better way to feel Canadian then to skate on a frozen lake, snowshoe, ice fish or ski.  Now that we are transitioning into the wonderful winter season it’s curial to keep safety in mind before venturing out. Here are some quick safety trip for ice safety.

Before heading out on any frozen body of water always remember to “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO”. This means to know how safe the ice is before heading out. Please remember that no ice surface is completely safe.

Things you should know before you go:

• The thickness of the ice. Start off measuring by the shoreline then in several different locations. To measure you can use an augur, ice chipper, axe or any tool that will make a hole in the ice. Below is a picture on the minimum ice thickness needed.
• Current and recent weather (has the ice melted)
• Water Depth
• Type of body of water. The ice thickness on rivers and moving water can be unpredictable.
• The colour of the ice. Clear blue ice is the strongest. White flaky ice is half as strong.

You should also:

• Never go out on the ice alone
• Have a reaching pole, rope, ice picks buoyant suit or lifejacket, communication device and first-aid kit
• Avoid going out on the ice at night

Keep safe and have fun!!!!