Ice Safety Tips

Ice testing during Winter should never be neglected. Now that the temperature have dropped, please check local area signage, authorities and media before going onto the ice. Lakeland Connect would like to remind residents no ice is without risk.

When snowmobiling,  advise taking the following precautions:

• Always travel with a buddy;
• Tell people where you are going and when you are expected back;
• Bring an extra set of warm clothing and consider purchasing a floatation snowmobile suit;
• Spread out the weight of snow machines and do not park them close together on the ice;
• Ensure you have the following safety equipment with you:  ice picks, rope, cellphone packed in a waterproof container, first aid kit, flashlight, waterproof matches or lighter, tool kit, candles and a survival blanket.
• As when using the road system, do not drive a snow machine while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

What to do if the person you are with falls through the ice:

• Keep calm
• Don’t run-up to the hole; you may fall through as well
• Use an item to throw or extend to the victim, such as jumper cables, skis, rope or push a boat ahead of you
• Get immediate medical assistance for the victim; people subjected to the extreme cold may seem fine after being rescued, but could still be at risk of life-threatening conditions
• If you are unable to rescue the victim, call the fire department

What to do if you fall in the ice:

• Remain calm and look towards the shore
• Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface of the ice
• Work forward on the ice by kicking your feet; this will assist you in keeping your body horizontal and help you “swim” out of the hole in the ice
• If the ice breaks, maintain your position and slide forward again; if this doesn’t work – keep trying!
• Once you are lying on the ice, don’t stand up, instead roll away from the hole
• Crawl back through your original track and ensure that your weight is spread out until you are on solid ice or onshore
• Seek immediate medical assistance

When walking on the ice “light up”.  Wear reflective clothing and/or a form of illumination to ensure snow machine operators can see you.  Be aware of your surroundings.

Dwanyne Ethier is a Training and Fire prevention Officer with the Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority.

“I want people to be aware of the dangers of being on the lakes this time of the year,” Ethier said. “The ice thickness has a key role in whether you can stay safe on the lakes.”

Ethier says the general rule of thumb is that the ice must be thicker than four inches to walk or fish. Seven inches for snowmobiles and 12-15 inches for vehicles.

“It’s a really critical item when people start going onto the ice,” Ethier said. “Pay close attention to thickness and don’t just rely on that four inch minimum.”

Please continue to use caution when on the ice as there are a variety of factors that cause ice to form more slowly in certain areas, such as moving water.