Think Twice - Beware of Thin Ice

ONTARIO, March 2010 – With cold temperatures and plenty of snow early in the season this year having now turned to temperatures above freezing and rain, outdoor enthusiasts must think about safety before heading out to enjoy typical winter activities like snowmobiling and skating. Thin ice can pose a serious threat and the Red Cross encourages everyone to be aware of the risks and take appropriate safety precautions.

Lorraine Davies, provincial director of injury prevention, warns that any activity on ice can be a risky venture. “People need to be aware that ice thickness may vary, so keeping your eyes and ears tuned to changes in ice conditions, such as weak or dark patches, is really important.”

Ice Safety - Ensure adequate ice thickness first: 15 cm for walking or skating; 20 cm for skating parties or hockey; and 25 cm are recommended for snowmobiling. Ice is not safe when it forms over any moving body of water – including rivers, streams and lakes with currents. Along rivers, ice is unpredictable this time of year. With fast currents under the ice it can be thick enough in one spot and dangerously thin just a few inches away. Some municipal departments including recreation, police and fire departments, measure ice thickness on local lakes. Find out if this service is available in your community. Keep children and pets away from the shoreline where ice can be the thinnest.

Ice Rescue – Use a hockey stick, pole, rope, belt or scarf to reach out to a person who has fallen through ice. Try to avoid venturing on the ice yourself, but if you must, roll or crawl out, lay flat and stay a safe distance from the edge of the ice.

Hypothermia – a silent killer. If hypothermia occurs, keep the victim warm, dry and still. Take the patient to the hospital immediately. Never give alcohol to a person with hypothermia.

Be Prepared – Prepare before going outdoors and know what to do if the weather changes quickly. Dress in layers and wear a hat, 60 per cent of body heat is lost through the head. Check the weather forecast and always tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.

Davies adds that snowmobilers are at particularly high risk when it comes to unstable ice conditions. “The best place for snowmobiling is on land, but if traveling on ice is unavoidable, drivers must ensure adequate ice thickness and wear a personal flotation device,” said Davies. “Snowmobiles can travel at high speeds and drivers may not have time to spot danger and react appropriately.”

For more information about ice safety or winter preparedness, contact your local Red Cross branch or visit www.redcross.ca.

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Media Contact:

Tanya Elliott
Director, Public Affairs
905-890-1000 ext 202

Ice Safety

Hypothermia