Thin Ice on Rivers and Ponds — Stay Off the Ice

As we enter the winter season, North Battleford Fire Chief Lindsay Holm is urging residents to be aware of the hazards of thin ice in the city and on the North Saskatchewan River. The current ice conditions are too brittle to support any weight.

According to Holm, the fire department receives frequent calls each year about people venturing onto the ice forming along the river. "It is dangerous, particularly at this time of year when ice is in its initial freezing stage," he said. "It is far too thin to sustain the weight of a person."

To ensure safety, residents are advised to:

• Keep children away from rivers and ponds, and teach them about water and ice safety.

• When walking dogs, keep them on a leash and away from moving water and ice to prevent accidental falls.

The Water Security Agency has released guidelines for ice thickness, which Holm recommends reviewing before attempting to cross any ice-covered bodies of water. For more information, visit WSA's advisory on ice thickness.

When it comes to moving bodies of water like rivers and streams, the ice is never safe for any activity.

If you see someone fall through the ice:

• Call 911 immediately.

• Do not rush onto the ice around the opening, as the surrounding ice is likely unstable.

For more information:

Dustin Tungilik MacDonald, Communications Administrator
306-445-1713 | Email