(CHATSWORTH, ON) – Ice is constantly changing in response to weather and water conditions. That’s why ice is never 100 percent safe.
Grey County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is not in a position to declare ice conditions safe, but we can urge the public to practice proper ice safety.
Almost all recreational activities involve some risk. The OPP encourages everyone to assess and manage the risks of their recreational activities so they can enjoy the outdoors.
Ice safety and weight-bearing properties of ice can be affected by many factors, including: thickness, currents, age of the ice, pressure cracks and snow cover. Ice conditions can change dramatically.
Children should not play on or near ice covered bodies of water unless supervised by an experienced, safety-conscious adult who is familiar with local conditions and currents.
Proper use of safety equipment can reduce the risks of traveling over ice covered bodies of water. Possibilities include: wearing of survival suits, carrying picks (used to grip ice to pull yourself out of the water), and carrying a rescue rope.
For information from the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs go to their website at www.ofsc.on.ca.
For further information on ice safety from the Royal Lifesaving Society, visit: http://www.lifesaving.ca/main.php?lang=english&cat=watersafety&sub=ice