LAKELAND - While fire departments in the Lakeland haven’t responded to many calls of people or vehicles going through ice on local lakes and bodies so far this winter, local fire chiefs urge people to be careful when they venture out on the ice this winter.
“Never go alone-ensure that you have proper dress and safety equipment,” says John Kokotilo, regional fire chief with Lac La Biche County Fire Rescue Services told Lakeland This Week, adding that necessary equipment includes ice picks.
On average, Kokotilo said, firefighters are called out on a couple of occasions each winter to assist with ice-related incidents.
Regarding the approach Lac La Biche County Fire Rescue Services takes when responding to an incident, as Kokotilo explains, personnel may use the department’s side-by-side or walk out onto the ice, depending on the conditions.
“We do not take our emergency apparatus out on the ice,” he states. And “When we walk out, we use our inflatable banana boat as a safety precaution.”
Fire Chief Trevor Kotowich with the St. Paul Fire Department says the department has not responded to any call on the ice in 2024.
“The biggest thing is also the most obvious, and that is ensuring the ice is thick enough to be on,” says Kotowich. “Many factors contribute to ice thickness such as the size and depth of water, snow cover - which we have had lots early this year - and fluctuating air temperatures.”
Kotowich has heard that local lakes within the County of St. Paul have well over a foot of ice, but there is no way to confirm that.
As a rule of thumb, if the ice is 7 cm or less, people should stay off. If the ice is at least 10 cm thick, then it is good for ice fishing, walking and cross-country skiing.
Ice that is between 13 and 18 cm thick is safe to snowmobile on or use an ATV, according to information from the St. Paul Fire Department.
Once the ice is between 20 and 30 cm (or one foot) then a car or group of people will be safe. The ice should be over a foot thick for a medium-sized truck to travel on safely.
These numbers do sometimes vary, based on other factors and conditions.
Ice safety tips
Over the holidays, Sylvan Lake RCMP received three reports of vehicles going through the ice at the popular central-Alberta lake. Sylvan Lake is a spring-fed body of water, which means the thickness of ice can vary from one area to another.
“When it comes to outdoor winter activities, ice safety is essential, especially when the weather fluctuates between extreme cold and warmer periods. Ice conditions can change rapidly, and these changes can be dangerous,” reads an RCMP release from Sylvan Lake RCMP, dated Dec. 31.
RCMP recommend people “Use a tape measure, drill, or auger to make sure the ice is thick enough and check in multiple locations because ice can vary in thickness.”
Other tips from RCMP include staying away from cracks, pressure ridges, or areas with moving water, since these zones can “compromise the integrity of the ice.”
Also, “If you’re near a river or stream, be extra cautious, as moving water under the ice can erode it more quickly, creating dangerous spots that may not be visible.”
RCMP also say, “If temperatures have recently fluctuated, or the ice has visible cracks or slush on top, avoid it altogether.”
If you go through the ice, RCMP encourage people to “Leave your vehicle right away. If you’re in the water, move toward the edge of the ice and break through until you reach solid ice that can support your weight.”
It is also important to act quickly.
“Lie flat on your stomach and crawl onto the ice, distributing your weight as much as possible. Sharp objects like nails or spikes can help you grip the surface.”
Once you are out of the water, get warm and remove wet clothing.
“This might mean heading to shore and starting a fire without delay,” according to RCMP. “Keep in mind that hypothermia can set in rapidly, leaving you unable to help yourself. Act fast to stay safe.”
