Ice is forming on northern waterways, and you know someone’s going to go through it. So it warrants repeating the annual safety advice.
OPP Const. Michelle Simard says thickness depends on the depth of the water, any movement of it, and varying temperatures. This time of year, no ice is safe ice.
“Ice never forms at a uniform rate or thickness,” she points out. “Therefore we have to make sure that we’re safe before we go out there.”
When you do venture out, Simard says, go with someone experienced at detecting ice thickness and keep kids and pets away.
She emphasizes that taking an ATV or snowmobile on the ice is a risk that’s totally unnecessary. Not only do you put yourself in jeopardy, you do the same for first responders who come to the rescue.
“So the best way is to stay off the ice in the early winter months, until we know or you know that it’s safe to do so.”
