This timely reminder about ice safety was distributed by OPP Bancroft Detachment on Dec.31:
Waterways in the Bancroft area have started to freeze over. The Bancroft Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to remind residents in the area that they need to be cautious around frozen lakes, rivers and streams. Above: drone photo of Eastern Ontario ice rescue in January 2021. Photo OPP/Twitter.
NO ICE IS WITHOUT RISK. Ice may look tempting for snowmobiling, riding your all-terrain vehicle (ATV), ice fishing and other activities but you cannot determine the strength of ice by its’ appearance. Please remember that ice is unpredictable and can be affected by many factors including: thickness, currents, temperature, cracks, snow cover, water depth and size of water body.
Anyone choosing to venture out on frozen bodies of water are reminded to use proper safety equipment that will reduce the risk when travelling on ice:
- Wear a thermal protective buoyant suit.
- Carry picks that can be used to grip the ice to pull yourself out of the water.
- Carry a small personal safety kit that includes waterproof matches, pocket knife, compass and whistle.
- Never go out alone and always tell someone your planned destination and your expected time of return.
- Avoid unfamiliar areas/unknown ice, travelling on ice at night and slushy/thawed ice.
Always remember that NO ICE IS WITHOUT RISK.
For more information on cold water and ice you can obtain further information at http://www.lifesavingsociety.com/water-safety/cold-water-and-ice.aspx.
Cox,S.,OPP Bancroft Detachment(2021,Dec.31) BEWARE OF ICE – NO ICE IS WITHOUT RISK [media release]