With an abundance of rivers and bodies of water around the city, Winnipeg’s first responders are asking people to stay off the ice.
The safety warning goes beyond the obvious Assiniboine and Red Rivers, extending to streams, creeks, retention ponds and drainage ditches.
While the winter seemed long and ice was indeed thick, the spring thaw means frozen waterways pose a threat, especially to children.
“Sadly, we see far too many calls each year for water and ice rescues,” said Fred de Groot, WFPS public education officer.
“As we move into spring, no one should be going on any ice surface. Doing so puts yourself and our responders at risk.”
“The ice thickness is unpredictable on all waterways and ponds so we encourage all citizens to steer clear of these surfaces, as well as the banks surrounding them.”
The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service says they responded to more than 150 water and ice rescue calls last year.
Winnipeg police say incidents involving people falling through ice are preventable and put both the public and emergency crews at risk needlessly.
“The WPS considers all frozen bodies of water within the city of Winnipeg to be unsafe for recreational use with the exception of areas that are monitored in accordance with the City’s Frozen Waterways By-Law,” said Patrol Sgt. Stephane Boulet.
While the WPS River Patrol Unit has placed warning signs near areas of specific concern, they suggest all ice should be seen as unsafe.
Officials also remind people to leave ice rescues to first responders, saying anyone who sees a person or an animal in distress should call 911 instead of taking matters into their own hands.
WATCH: Danger – thin ice: Winnipeg authorities urge residents to stay safe
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