Stay Safe this Winter: Town Sharing Ice Safety Tips
by Town of High River
03/01/2025
Community
Stay Safe this Winter: Town Sharing Ice Safety Tips
HIGH RIVER - Winter brings fun activities like hockey and ice fishing, but staying safe around the ice is crucial. Fluctuating temperatures can make venturing onto ice or any body of water dangerous, even fatal. Here are some essential ice safety tips to keep you and your loved ones safe:
Please note: Town staff, including members of the Fire Department, DO NOT check the thickness of any body of water in Town. Residents are encouraged to always practice ice safety by following the tips below:
Ice Safety Tips:
- Avoid Melting Ice: During warmer temperatures, ice melts and becomes unsafe.
- Supervise Children and Pets: Always supervise children and keep pets on a leash.
- Only Skate on Safe Ice: Stick to still bodies of water, such as lakes, at least 20 centimeters thick.
- Avoid Streams and Flowing Water: Even if it looks frozen, flowing water is unsafe.
Check Ice Colour for Safety:
- Clear Blue to Black Ice: Strongest and thickest.
- White Opaque or Snow-Covered Ice: Avoid these areas.
- Grey Ice: Indicates water presence; unsafe to stand on.
What do I do in an ice emergency?
If you fall in, immediately call for help and have someone dial 9-1-1.
- If you fall in, trying to climb out can break weak ice around you. Remember to stay calm and look towards the shore.
- Place your hands and arms on the unbroken ice and work forward by kicking your feet. Doing this will help keep you horizontal and help you “swim” out of the hole.
- Once you are lying on the ice, roll away from the hole and do not stand.
- Crawl back towards your tracks and follow your tracks back to shore.
What do I do if I witness someone fall through the ice?
Rescuing another person from the ice can be dangerous. It is best to wait for trained professionals to arrive or wait for help from other bystanders.
- Remember to stay calm and call 9-1-1.
- Do not run up to the hole. You may break through and fall in.
- Use an item on shore to extend out to them to help pull them out of the hole.
For more information on how to stay safe around ice this winter, visit the Ice Safety section of the Town’s website.
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For more information:
Town of High River
403-652-2110
