LETHBRIDGE- A calm cold day can be a draw for winter weather fans and with ice on local waterways thick enough for skating and ice fishing, some are braving the elements to soak up some winter fun.
But if you plan on venturing out onto the ice city officials are asking you to proceed with caution.
“The ice thicknesses can vary anywhere from six-inches to 12 inches and drop two inches in a matter of a 24 hour period,” says Water Rescue Team Co-Leader John Kesslar.
City officials are asking residents to follow a few basic guidelines while out on the ice:
- Inform others of your destination and time of return.
- Check weather conditions. Warm Chinook winds can quickly change ice strength.
- Wear a PFD and a helmet.
- Check with your community association to see if neighborhood lake ice has been tested for safety.
- Dress in layers to protect against hypothermia (decreased body temperature).
- Keep a cell phone, vehicle keys, and First Aid equipment on shore in a safe location known by all party members.
- Never go onto ice alone.
- Never go onto ice at night, as ice conditions are constantly changing.
- When walking with others, keep a good distance apart on ice.
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They say if you don’t need to be on the ice surface, it’s best for you and your four-legged friends to stick to the shoreline.
Keep safe and stay off the ice. Make sure to keep pets off the ice and if you do fall though the ice, call 9-1-1 and we will come rescue you or your pet,” adds Kesslar.
Kim Sherwood walks her dog around Henderson Lake on a regular basis. Even though the ice is thick enough, she says she won’t be venturing off the path.
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“I mean, safety is important. I like to make sure my dog is safe and anyone else.”
Right now all of the outdoor skating rinks in the city are listed in fair condition, but with the temperatures expected to jump above zero in the next couple of days, those ice conditions could change.
“Anytime you have a warming cycle, thick ice can be unsafe. Water lays on the ice and snow and creates unstable conditions,” adds Kesslar.
For winter fans like Kim and her dog, if you aren’t sure about the ice conditions, it’s best to play it safe and stay off the ice.
Officials advise that you stay away from the river at all times throughout the winter due to flowing water.
For up-to-date ice conditions you can visit the city of Lethbridge’s website: http://www.lethbridge.ca/Things-To-Do/Parks/Pages/Lake-Ice-Information.aspx
You can also find ice safety tips here: http://www.lethbridge.ca/living-here/Emergency-Services/Pages/Water-Safety-Winter.aspx
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