Alberta RCMP reminds citizens about ice safety

Alberta RCMP are issuing a warning to the public reminding them to practice ice safety this winter.

With the changing weather conditions and above average temperatures, Mounties say it is hard to tell the strength or thickness of ice by its appearance.

RCMP note they have responded to multiple occurrences over this past weekend and want to remind all Albertans about the dangers of unpredictable thin ice and open water. If you choose to go out on the ice, police encourage you to keep in mind the following safety tips:

Consider Conditions: Keep a close eye on the weather, changing weather can make ice surfaces unpredictable. Do not travel over ice in early and late winter when conditions are more likely to be dangerous. Avoid slushy, thawed, recently refrozen ice, or ice near moving water. Avoid going on the ice at night as reduced visibility increases the risk of falling through. Always check the ice for thickness and stability. The colour of ice may be an indication of its strength − clear blue to black ice is strongest, and likely the deepest. You should only skate or walk on ice that is 15+ cm thick, 20+ cm for a group of people and 25+ cm for off highway vehicles. White opaque or snow ice should be avoided, grey ice indicates the presence of water and is unsafe to stand on.