2024-Jan-12
No Ice is Safe -- Stay Clear and Be Prepared to Self Rescue
The OPP are reminding everyone to stay clear of frozen waterways as very little, if any, ice has formed due to abnormally warm weather conditions. Unstable, weak ice and vast areas of open water are creating potentially dangerous situations for you and responding emergency services personnel.
Every year, needless preventable tragedies occur on our area water and ice surfaces which could have been avoided, and emergency services are counting on you to make the decision to stay OFF the ICE.
All ice surface users must remember that NO Ice is Safe Ice and even if the ice is thick enough to venture out on, there are still risks. The quality and thickness of ice can change quickly and can vary from location to location.
If you are going out on the ice:
- always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return or bring a buddy
- wear proper survival clothing, a personal floatation device and carry a fully charged cell phone
- know the waters under the ice you will be on – depth and currents can impact the thickness and strength
- watch the weather, as temperature fluctuations and precipitation may soften the ice
- avoid slushy ice, untracked ice or ice near moving waters or dock bubblers
You’ve got about 10 minutes to rescue yourself before cold takes over
OPP and fire services are trained in ice and water rescue however, valuable time is lost while they travel to incident locations. The debilitating effects of ice cold water on your body mean that self-rescue is likely your best and possibly your only chance to get out of the water.
Remember these numbers
If you find yourself in cold water you have:
- 1 minute to get your breathing under control
- 10 minutes of useful movement before hypothermia slows your motor functions
- 1 hour of survivability in ice water
CBC has compiled some great tips on self-rescue and how to help rescue someone else here.
These accidents are preventable so please avoid injuries and possibly death by staying away and off any bodies of frozen water this season!