Staying Safe on Frozen Water: Key Reminders for Winter
A recent water rescue incident serves as a crucial reminder for residents to exercise extreme caution around frozen water bodies during the winter months. Earlier today, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services (LFES) responded to a call involving an individual stranded on ice in the middle of the Oldman River.
Thanks to the swift actions of LFES crews, the individual was rescued without injury. However, this incident highlights the unpredictable nature of ice and the potential dangers posed by venturing onto frozen waterways.
Staying Safe: Key Guidelines
As winter conditions prevail, it’s important to remember that no ice is ever truly safe, especially in a region like ours where fluctuating weather and Chinook winds can cause rapid changes.
Avoid Unsafe Ice
Avoid all frozen bodies of water, including the Oldman River and urban lakes and storm ponds. River ice is particularly unpredictable due to currents and fluctuating water levels, while storm pond ice is inherently unstable and prohibited for any use.
Stick to Designated Areas
Outdoor skating is permitted only in designated areas at Henderson Lake, Nicholas Sheran Lake, and Legacy Pond. City staff monitor these areas weekly during the winter to ensure ice thickness meets safety standards. For the latest updates on ice conditions at these locations, visit our website.
Protect Your Pets
Keep pets on a leash near frozen water. If your furry friend falls through the ice, do not attempt a rescue yourself. Call 9-1-1 immediately, and our trained responders will handle the situation safely.
Know What to Do in an Emergency
If someone falls through the ice, time is crucial. Call 9-1-1 right away. Do not go onto the ice yourself; it’s too risky. Instead, try to help from a safe distance using a branch, rope, or similar object. You can also throw something that floats, like a life jacket or cushion, to assist them until help arrives.
Public Inquiries
For any questions or concerns about winter safety, please contact 311, Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
What are some visual signs that ice may be unsafe, even if it appears thick?
## Staying Safe on Frozen Water: Key Reminders for Winter
**(Interview Intro Music)**
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. We’re talking about winter safety today after a chilling incident earlier today where a person had to be rescued from the ice on the Oldman River.
Joining us to shed some light on ice safety is [Alex Reed Name and Title, e.g., Sarah Jones, Water Safety Specialist with the Red Cross].
Welcome, Sarah.
**Alex Reed:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** So, this incident is a scary reminder that ice can be deceptive. What are some key things people need to remember when venturing out onto frozen water?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. First and foremost, never assume ice is safe, no matter how cold it is. It’s vital to check the ice thickness [[1](https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/family/safe-ice)]. For walking, you want at least four inches of solid, clear ice.
**Host:** Four inches. That seems like a lot. What should people do to check?
**Alex Reed:** You’ll need to use a chisel or auger to drill a hole and measure the thickness with a tape measure.
**Host:** And this isn’t a one-time check, right?
**Alex Reed:** Correct. Ice thickness can vary greatly, even on the same body of water. It’s crucial to test regularly, every 150 feet or so [[1](https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/family/safe-ice)]. Never assume ice is safe just because it’s winter. New ice is stronger than old ice [[1](https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/family/safe-ice)], so don’t rely on assumptions.
**Host:** What about warnings signs beyond thickness? What else should people be looking for?
**Alex Reed:** Look for cracks, slush, or darker areas, as these indicate weaker ice.
**Host:** what should someone do if they find themselves on thin ice?
**Alex Reed:** Remain calm. Don’t move suddenly. Try to spread your weight out and slowly crawl or inch your way to firmer ice, if possible. If you can’t get out, yell for help and try to stay afloat until rescuers arrive.
**Host:** Great advice, Sarah. Thank you so much for sharing this important information with us.
**Alex Reed:** My pleasure.
**(Interview Outro Music)**
