More than a third of Canada's drownings happen in the colder months: Safety tips
A little preparation can go a long way.
Approximately 35 per cent of drownings in Canada occur from October to April, when most people have no intention of going into the cold water, according to the Lifesaving Society.
Snowmobiling and ice incidents account for most of these tragedies.
Here’s what you need to know.
Survey ice before stepping on it
Each winter, experts are quick to remind the public that no ice is safe ice, but certain characteristics will provide clues as to how dangerous a frozen body of water may be.
In his ice safety explainer, Weather Network science writer Scott Sutherland says the colour and thickness of are important to note:
White ice with a layer of blue at the base: This type of ice is generally the strongest, but if you can’t tell how thick the ice is, it’s best to avoid it.
Opaque ice: This ice is formed by wet snow freezing on the ice surface, which can be weak—exercise caution.
Grey ice: This colour indicates water is present, and it is best to avoid it entirely.
Ice thickness
According to Maine Lakes:
Ice under 10 cm thick is considered unsafe and should be avoided.
10-11 cm is generally considered safe for walking on or for activities like ice fishing.
12-17 cm can support a snowmobile or small ATV.
20-30 cm can support small cars or SUVs.
Planning ahead
When heading out on the ice, Constable Courtney Sherk, a Community Safety Officer with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), recommends bringing ice picks and storing them somewhere accessible, in the event they fall in.
It's also a good idea to let someone know you are heading out to an icy area or, even better, bring a buddy along.
“If you can, get one of the snowmobile suits that is inflatable, and if not, make sure you have some sort of flotation device with you, whether it's the fanny pack or even just a life jacket, just in case,” she suggests.
Here’s what you do if you fall in the ice
The OPP says individuals who fall through the ice should try to kick their legs and pull themselves out of the water, and then roll away to solid land to avoid breaking more ice.
Try to control your breathing and remain calm.
If you witness someone falling through the ice, call 911 immediately. Do not put yourself in harm's way.
RELATED: How long can you survive in cold water?
With files from Victoria Fenn Alvarado and Cheryl Santa Maria. Header image via Canva Pro.
