Ice is forming on area waterways, and it's tempting to venture outdoors to check things out.
Not so fast warn the OPP!
You must take caution regarding thin ice conditions on area lakes and rivers at this time of year.
Many factors affect ice thickness including:
- Type of water
- Time of year
- Water depth and size of the body of water
- Currents, tides, and other moving water
- Logs, rocks, and docks absorbing heat from the sun
- Changing air temperature
"Ice does not freeze at uniform thickness throughout the body of water," says Constable Michelle Simard. "When ice forms early and may look safe, it is likely, not thick, strong, or stable enough to support much weight. The thickness should be checked regularly as you move further onto the ice."
Anyone considering venturing out on ice-covered bodies of water for recreational activities should do so with an experienced outdoor enthusiast who is familiar with local conditions and water currents. Children should not play near or on ice-covered bodies of water unless supervised by an experienced, safety-conscious person.
"No ice is safe ice" says Detachment Commander Staff Sergeant Rene Paille. "Venturing out onto unsafe ice puts your life and those of the first responders at risk".
For more information on ice safety click here.
Contact: Provincial
