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No ice is safe ice, OPP reminds residents

IceBreaking
File photo

NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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SOUTH PORCUPINE — Winter is here and the South Porcupine Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) wants to ensure the public practices proper ice safety. Residents must take caution regarding thin ice conditions on area lakes and rivers.

Many factors affect ice thickness including:

  • Type of water
  • Time of year
  • Water depth and size of body of water
  • Currents, tides and other moving water
  • Logs, rocks and socks absorbing heat from the sun
  • Changing air temperature

Ice does not freeze at uniform thickness throughout the body of water. When ice forms early and may look safe, it is likely not thick, strong or stable enough to support much weight. Thickness should be checked regularly as you move further onto the ice.

Anyone considering venturing out on ice covered bodies of water for recreational activities should do so with an experienced outdoor enthusiast who is familiar with local conditions and water currents. Children should not play near or on ice covered bodies of water unless supervised by an experienced, safety-conscious person.

"No ice is safe ice," says Detachment Commander Staff Sergeant Rene Paille. "Venturing out onto unsafe ice puts your life and those of the first responders at risk".

For more information on ice safety, go to www.redcross.ca

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