By The Lifesaving Society

be careful

Lifesaving Society shares spring ice safety tips

Mar 31, 2021 | 10:53 AM

Spring Ice is Rotten Ice

Ice surfaces are not safe as spring arrives. Warmer temperatures and melting ice create unstable ice surfaces. Remember that no ice is without risk. Please stay off the ice!

Many factors affect ice thickness including the type of water, location, and time of year. Other environmental factors also affect ice thickness such as the size and depth of the body of water; moving water (i.e. currents, drainage, runoff); snow cover; chemicals such as salt; fluctuations in water levels; logs, rocks and docks absorbing heat from the sun; changing air temperature and shock waves from vehicles travelling on the ice. There are many layers of protection to help protect against drowning and water- related injury at any time of year.

Even if ice measures at the right thickness (minimum 10 cm or 4 inches for walking or skating alone), thawing and refreezing during spring weakens the ice significantly. The ice can no longer be trusted.

Cold Water Shock

mayor hopes to meet housing minister this month

Alberta demands Ottawa back off on housing funding stripped from Red Deer

18h ago

Last seen Jan. 15

Missing: Courtney Cattleman, 17, of Maskwacis

23h ago

eyes up

Air Spray training around Red Deer Regional Airport

23h ago

An unexpected fall into cold water (water 15°C and below) can result in series of responses that can result in involuntary gasps for air. This response can contribute to a sense of panic which increases the risk of inhaling water. Prevention is one of the most important tools this time of year. Some of the information below is crucial to mitigating the risks of water-related injury and deaths.

Never Go onto Ice Alone

A buddy may be able to rescue you or go for help if you get into difficulty. Before you leave shore, tell someone where you are going and expected time of return.

Always Supervise Children

Children should always be under adult supervision when in, on, and around water and ice. Children that aren’t within arms’ reach have ventured too far. Insist that they wear a lifejacket/PFD or thermal protection buoyant suit.

Ice Rescue

Rescuing another person from the ice is dangerous. The safest way to perform a rescue is from the shore. If you see someone in trouble, call 911.

The Lifesaving Society is Canada’s lifeguarding expert. The Society is a national, charitable organization with a humanitarian mandate to prevent drowning and water-related injury through its training programs, Water Smart® public education, drowning research, safety management services and lifesaving sport.